British singer and rapper Khyra Wilson, popularly known as Kwn, has set the record straight about her heritage, revealing that she is half-Nigerian despite being frequently mistaken for Jamaican.
The rising music star made the clarification while appearing on an episode of the Culture podcast, where she discussed her background, musical influences and the cultural environment that shaped her artistic identity.
Kwn explained that although Jamaican and wider Caribbean culture have played a major role in her upbringing and music, her personal ancestry is different from what many fans assume.
The singer, known for her hit song Worst Behaviour, revealed that her father is Nigerian while her mother is Irish.
According to her, growing up surrounded by Caribbean culture has often led people to conclude that she has Jamaican or Caribbean roots.
“I am half-Nigerian. Everyone thinks I am Jamaican but I am not. I grew up around Caribbean culture so people assume I am from the Caribbean,” she said.
Kwn said the assumption has become so common that people are often surprised whenever she tells them about her Nigerian heritage.
“People find it difficult if I tell them I am Nigerian. Nobody has ever guessed that I am Nigerian until recently when someone guessed it. Everyone thinks I am Caribbean,” she added.
Despite having Nigerian heritage, the singer disclosed that she has never visited the country.
She, however, expressed optimism about her first potential trip to Nigeria, saying she expected Nigerians to embrace her warmly when she eventually makes the journey.
“But I have never been to Nigeria before. I know they are going to love me when I go over there,” she said.
Her revelation adds another layer to the identity of an artiste whose sound and image have been shaped by a blend of British, Nigerian, Irish and Caribbean cultural influences.
While her music may have led some listeners to associate her with Jamaica or the Caribbean, Kwn’s comments make clear that her connection to Nigerian culture comes through her paternal heritage.
Her admission that she has yet to visit Nigeria also raises the prospect of a future homecoming that could introduce the singer to a new audience in the country of her father’s birth.