Hugo Chegwin's Mixtape: Tracks On Rotation

Hugo Chegwin has long been a defining presence in British music and culture. As co-creator of Kurupt FM, he helped transform a pirate radio parody into a BAFTA-winning, globally syndicated series, with sold-out tours, an RTS award, a feature film and two Ivor Novello Awards for music along the way. Beyond television, Chegwin has worked behind the scenes with acclaimed artists including Emeli Sandé, Plan B, Sam Smith, Mary J. Blige and Maverick Sabre, solidifying his reputation as a versatile producer and tastemaker.

Now, Chegwin is set to step into the spotlight with his debut solo EP, teased by his latest single “Necklace“, featuring South London rapper Jianbo. The track fuses Chegwin’s signature Jungle-influenced breakbeats with Jianbo’s incisive lyricism, culminating in one of Chegwin’s most emotionally resonant collaborations to date. The song’s tempo shifts and layered textures showcase his ability to innovate while remaining grounded in the underground sounds that have shaped his career.

Having already delivered standout festival sets at Glastonbury and Boomtown with Kurupt FM, Chegwin is poised to make a seamless transition from collaborator to solo artist. The upcoming EP positions the Londoner not only as a producer of formidable skill but as a storyteller capable of bridging decades of UK music history with the present moment, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the personal and artistic evolution of one of the country’s most influential creatives.

We caught up with Chegwin to chat about his forthcoming project and career so far—as well as asking him to curate his own personal mixtape.

How’s 2025 treated you so far?

Hugo Chegwin: The honest answer is a lot. I’ve had some real big life changes but I’m in a better place mentally and creatively. I’ve got a lot to lean on.

You’ve just dropped a wicked new tune called “Necklace” featuring South London rapper Jianbo. Tell us more about the track and what is was like working alongside Jianbo.

Hugo Chegwin: Jianbo—the king, South East’s finest! I met him in a session with my friend and producer Denham Audio—they were working together and his energy was just good vibes. On the way home I listened to his music, watched his videos, and I was super impressed—musically and visually. I lined up a session and we ended up making about three tunes in a couple of hours. I had a few loops ready for him and “Necklace” just felt like the one that connected with me the most.

This is the next offering from your upcoming debut EP. What can fans expect from the project?

Hugo Chegwin: Hopefully the EP represents me musically—little bits of my influences, but also something different from what people expect. There isn’t any garage on here. I love garage—it’s a big part of who I am, but on my own, or when I’m driving, I don’t really listen to it.

You’ve worn many hats—actor, writer, producer—and now you’re stepping into the spotlight with your very own solo work. What was the turning point that made you decide the time was right?

Hugo Chegwin: It wasn’t like, “I want my moment”, sort of thing, it was more just wanting an outlet to put music out. I have zero expectations. I’ve always made music since I was a teenager, and it’s a big part of who I am. I also think sometimes you’ve just gotta take risks and think, “fuck it”.

Touching on Kurupt FM and your time as DJ Beats, what lessons from that specific journey are you able to carry over into your solo career?

Hugo Chegwin: We are all super close, so doing anything Kurupt FM-related is always fun. It’s pinch yourself moments like “I can’t believe we get paid to do this”. I think carrying that energy—that it’s gotta be fun and enjoyment—is the most important thing for me.

What do you hope people will take away from the EP?

Hugo Chegwin: I just hope whoever listens finds at least one track, or something about it that connects with them. Like a teenage me, sat in one of my mates rooms listening to jungle or garage tape packs.

What’s next for Hugo Chegwin? More music, live shows or even screen work?

Hugo Chegwin: All of that. Some of the Kurupt guys and I have been working on stuff, doing bits on other shows individually and I want keep dropping music. I’ve got a small cameo in a big Apple TV show coming out soon but they won’t let me say what it’s called yet, which is cool.

Jim Legxacy – “d.b.a.b”

This is one of those beats that I wish I could have made. Every time it drops my face scrunches up so hard it hurts.

Lil Yachty – “Won’t Diss You”

Yachty doesn’t miss for me, beat selection the way he sits on tracks. Super swaggy, wish I was this swaggy.

Feng – “Bristol”

This new UK sound is just fire, the young bucks are going innnnn. This is just nothing but a vibe.

Larry June – “Generation”

ALC, TITTY BOY AND LARRY JUNE. Can’t really ever go wrong. Slaps.

Joy Orbison & Overmono Ft. Skiifall – “Lippy”

Joy Orbison is one of the UK all time best. He’s got a UK sound but also his own thing. Always sounds individual with loads character and goes off in a rave and car.