Anyone capable of editing a music video entirely on their phone deserves a bit of recognition because that’s not an easy feat. It’s exactly what Tāmaki Makaurau rapper Timmy The First, real name Timothy Kahwema, did for his latest single, sizzling hip hop track Degrees. NZ On Air Music clearly felt the heat, adding the tune to their NewTracks compilation this August.

What is your full name, where are you from and what instruments do you play?

Timothy Kahwema. I am a Zimbabwean-born, New Zealand-raised artist from Auckland. I am a rapper, singer-songwriter, dynamic live performer and semi-producer.

Was any high school or other music training especially important to you?

Most of my music has been self-taught, started off by learning keyboard and then I ventured into songwriting with my older sister. I loved to watch and replicate, until I figured out how to create my own lane.

Any other projects that we might know you from?

My EP, ‘Where Do I Begin’.

How has your music evolved from your early songwriting to now?

I have evolved from being in the box of a rapper, to having the freedom to write any genre of music by learning how to sing and construct melodies.

How did you come up with the name for the project?

The name Timmy The First is more than just a name, but serves a reminder to myself to always take my own path in this journey and create my own lane. I don’t want to follow someone else’s template, but here to just do it my way.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date?

Performing at Africa Day 2024 was a highlight for me this year. The crowd was big, and the set was electrifying. It’s really great to get the opportunity to be part of something new that is making an impact in peoples lives.

What makes Degrees stand out for you as a single?

This song is super cool as it allows me to show my rapping and my more melodic side at the same time. This song is something deep, but also can just be a catchy song at the same time.

What is the story behind Degrees?

The seed for Degrees was planted during lockdown, which began an internal dialogue and commitment to give 100% and increase the intensity in everything I do. I really want to do this music journey, and being in lockdown helped me realise the power was really in my hands to do things differently once we got out of lockdown.

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

I love the first hook of the song as it’s so easy to sing and full of energy, the way the beat switches up and feels like you are actually turning up the heat is super cool. I feel like carries the energy of the song and sets the tone pretty early on.

Who did you work up the track with and where?

I wrote and created the first demo of the song myself at home and then had Frank Eliesa [Yoko Zuna] produce the beat for the track remotely. Once the track idea was done, I got to go record it at the Bigpop Studio with Maude Morris. Lastly I had John Garcia on the mix and master to finish off the track.

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

I would love for listeners to feel inspired and motivated by this track, to no longer expect things from the world, but to go out and get it. We really have all the power.

How do you generally work out what song would make a good single?

Usually, I’d like for a song to be catchy and make a statement for it to make a good single. If it can make you feel something, then it has what it takes to be a single. I believe this song does both.

Who else is in your team?

I worked with the team at Bigpop to make my vision come to life, my friend and also musical artist ZËxÏÏ.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for?

I am currently working on a live EP project with a band that may drop this year. I will also be performing shows in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland in the next few months.

Can you please name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song. 

• Kvka – Hands In The Air
• Chaii – We Be Killing It
• Mazbou Q – In My Bag

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re super into?

The Sniffers blog, NZ Musician magazine, Legacy podcast – so much rich content and knowledge in there.

Who did you make the video with?

I used some live footage that was recorded and edited it myself at home, on my phone.

Any last words?

I feel super privileged to have the opportunity to make music, create something from nothing and be given a platform to share it with the world. Big thank you to Bigpop and my support system for making it easy for me to do what I love to do. I can’t wait to do bigger things and make some new waves.