Artists like NYUON don't come around very often.

Born in Ethiopia to South Sudanese parents, and raised in Kenya, Melbourne-based Nyuon has come a long way, in every sense. His love of music developed from rapping to his favourite English hip hop artists, learning the language as he went. Hip hop became an escape, at the same time reassuring Nyuon that no matter how hard his circumstances, there was always someone else out there who could relate.

Once in Australia, Nyuon finally had the opportunity do something with his bottled-up creativity. He spent the next two years channeling his tough life experiences into artistic outlets, including fashion and modelling. This interest came from going to church every Sunday in Kenya, where his mum would make the kids wear their best clothes, like a fashion show. But Nyuon’s first love was always music.

As luck - or fate - would have it, Nyuon’s friend entered him into the prestigious Melbourne Music Bank competition in 2015. The shy and humble writer was stunned when he won the most public votes of the entire competition. The experience gave Nyuon the motivation, and confidence, to follow his musical ambitions.

This national exposure led to the release of Your City, paving the way for Nyuon to blow crowds away at venues including Boney, Thank Guard, Next Stop Melbourne Festival and more. The By Myself EP followed. Recently, Nyuon supported Cape Town favourite YoungstaCPT, and regularly collaborates with other artists to host their own shows around the country.

With over 1 million Spotify streams and counting, the timing is perfect for the 22-year-old to release his next single Old Timers. It’s the first track from his upcoming EP, due out late 2017. Nyuon’s gift as a remarkable lyricist is showcased on Old Timers, as he raps about everything from getting his heart broken, to his experience living in war-torn South Sudan. Ultimately, Nyuon’s story transcends race, religion and nationality. His creativity and musical ingenuity allows each listener to interpret his music in their own way, taking them on a journey and removing them from their reality for just a few minutes.

Anyone following our country’s burgeoning hip hop scene can attest that Nyuon’s music, and fan base, has been growing significantly, yet organically. In his own remarkable way, Nyuon has left everyone eagerly awaiting what’s next... until now. Old Timers will be released independently on April 7.