Kamo WW: From Digital Sensation to Amapiano Trailblazer
From digital content creator to rising music star, Kamo WW has embraced his journey with passion and resilience. Real name Kamohelo Pule, the 22-year-old has come a long way since stepping onto Instagram at just 15 years old. Now, with a growing fan base and a string of singles, including his latest release “YIHYIH” in December, he is carving a name for himself in the Amapiano scene.
Born in Pretoria and raised in Ekurhuleni, Kamo WW’s love for music and performance was deeply rooted in his childhood. Growing up in a lively home filled with cousins, dancing was second nature, and sharing moves became a bonding experience. “I won’t lie and say I’ve always seen myself as an artist, but I’ve always imagined performing on stage to a large crowd. I just never thought it would be my own music,” he reflects.
Kamo WW | SUPPLIED
His transition from content creation to music wasn’t entirely smooth. His debut single, “Abafana”, set the stage for his music career, but stepping into the industry as the first openly queer artist in Amapiano came with its share of challenges. “It wasn’t really received well, and that took a huge toll on my mental health. I found myself questioning everything,” he shares.
Navigating performances also proved difficult. “Imagine being on stage and seeing a group of straight guys questioning your abilities. It was heartbreaking,” he admits. The industry’s biases made it tough to push forward, and despite having multiple tracks ready, self-doubt delayed his releases. “I had to deal with myself first before I could put the music out.”
At one point, the discrimination he faced at gigs—being called names and judged for his appearance—almost led him to give up. But rather than succumbing to negativity, he channeled his experiences into his music, culminating in the Pose EP, a project that symbolizes triumph over adversity. “I started working on Pose mid-last year, during my healing process. Initially, I was just recording, not knowing it would become an EP. But before I knew it, we had a collection of songs that just made sense together.”
Kamo WW | SUPPLIED
The message behind Pose is clear: shake off negativity, step into your power, and own your journey. And with the success of the EP, Kamo WW has proven why it was necessary to push past the naysayers.
“Seeing the reception towards my music has reaffirmed that other people’s doubts shouldn’t define us,” he says.
Beyond his growing popularity, Kamo WW hopes to create an inclusive culture in the music industry.
“I want my journey to show that queer artists deserve space and opportunities just like everyone else. We all belong, and we’re all equally talented.”
Looking ahead, he is excited to explore more of himself musically while embracing the fun of the journey.
“I’m proud of myself for rising to the occasion against all odds. This is just the beginning,” he says with a smile.