Ash Swaze, The People’s Pick

Every year, the Acclaim All-Stars platform shines a light on the next wave of artists shaping Australian rap and R&B. This time around, Complex AU joined forces to pick the coveted Wildcard spot — opening the floor to hundreds of entries from across the country, narrowing it to four finalists, and putting the decision in the public’s hands. The majority vote crowned Sydney-based artist Ash Swaze as the 2025 Acclaim All-Stars Wildcard, earning him a place alongside the seven finalists flown into Melbourne for interviews, photoshoots, and the All-Stars Cypher.

Photography by Panashe Nathan

For Swaze, born Ashley Mdlongwa in South Africa, the moment marked more than just a co-sign. It was proof that his sound— playful, ambitious, and culturally distinct—is resonating beyond his circle.

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From South Africa to Sydney

Swaze’s story starts with a sharp pivot. At 13, he landed in Sydney straight into his first day of high school. “Picture this. It’s my first time in a foreign country, fresh off the plane, jet lag hitting hard, and the very next day I’m starting school. No sightseeing, no warm-up.. Diabolical,” he laughs.

Music was in his system from a young age. He remembers penning early attempts at songs in primary school, one of which his dad pointed out was basically just B.o.B’s ‘Magic’.

Within weeks of arriving in Australia, he picked up the drums, joined a band, and began playing shows. By high school, he was opening for Lime Cordiale. When the group split, going solo felt natural. In 2019, he dropped his first tape Promise It Will Get Better. Looking back now, he says he’s lived up to the name.

Ash Swaze in green athletic wear and white sneakers sitting on a chair, with braided hair and jewellery, posing confidently. — Photography by Panashe Nathan
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Building community, earning belief

The first believers were close: his mates Matt and Clint, his old band crew. But the circle kept growing — Chandler Jewels, Jordayung, his D2 collective, Uncleric, and family. “Now there’s a whole community riding with me,” he says. “It’s bigger than me now. It’s really TUFF is all I can say.”

Winning the Wildcard crystallised that support. “It proved that people beyond my circle are ready for my music,” he reflects. “From here, it’s about proving to myself and the ones who doubted me that I was always built for this.”

Stepping into the All-Stars

For Swaze, flying down to Melbourne for the All-Stars experience felt like stepping into a new chapter. “I couldn’t believe I’d won that slot out of four others. I didn’t sleep until I got on the plane. Touchdown, nerves gone. I stepped on set, saw a bunch of homies I’d worked with before, met some insane new talent.”

Ash Swaze in a green Adidas outfit with a cross necklace, holding a small toy. White background. — Photography by Panashe Nathan

That energy matches how he describes his sound: fun, ecstatic, cultural, and sound-bending. He’s not shy about pointing to the local producers and artists who keep him lit, either — 1RUSSKI (“we’re on a mission to give the country something wild”), Sydney artist DEVAURA, with whom Swaze has shared stages with across the country, and peers like Baby Prince, Lxrdmc, VV-Ace, LEE., Chandler Jewels, Drippyk, and Yawdoesitall. “Their sound selection never misses,” he says.

Inspirations and next moves

Outside the booth, Swaze takes pride in his other craft, cocktail bartending. “I get to create, serve, and watch people light up over what I make. Been doing it since I left high school. It just makes sense.”

Ask him where to start with his catalogue and he doesn’t hesitate: ‘BIDINESS’. “That track is pure Ash Swaze. It was the moment I realised I’m really him.”

Now, Swaze is chasing that dream with focus. His next mixtape, Count Me Out, is on the way, led by the single ‘Brand New’. “Stay locked in,” he grins.

For more All-Stars content head to allstars.acclaimmag.com and follow Ash Swaze here.