Local Feature: Kayps’ deeply personal album BUNUBA BABY

Kayps is one of the most exciting voices in Australian hip-hop today.

Since his debut in 2021, it was evident that a wealth of potential was always at the heart of KAYPS’ music and brand of storytelling. Now based in Perth/Boorloo, the 20-year-old has struck out as a leader of a new generation of rappers pushing Indigenous culture and contemporary influences into new territory.

Showcasing KAYPS’ personal side, BUNUBA BABY speaks to his relationship with his culture; the confusion, anger and frustrations of being mixed race and coming to terms with the fact that ultimately, it’s all okay. Powerful album moments manifest across the project in songs like ‘RUN BOY RUN’, ‘BROKEN GLASS’ and ‘CROCODILES’, with KAYPS masterfully redefining his talents as a storyteller and emcee with each turn.

“The process of creating this project was closer to a soul searching journey than anything else. When I initially put forward the idea of making this project, I knew I had wanted to do this for years prior but it felt like the perfect time to be able to take myself on that journey and really invest time into diving into my family heritage and culture.

I so clearly remember the first session we started for this project and the intro of the album “COME HOME”, which was actually the first track we made. As soon as I heard the chords laid down to establish the sonic direction of the album, I knew it was going to be the most vulnerable and personal piece of work I had ever written. Over 18-24 months later, I couldn’t be any more proud of this project. The response from my family was incredible which gave me great hope that I had done my story and my family’s story justice.”

Pam Boland spoke with the Walmatjarri and Bunuba artist about the making of the record, Wangki Radio, his evolving relationship with identity and more.