Born in Poland and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Maksymilian Ostrowski, better known by his artist name Kantuftw, is carving out his own path in the world of trap and melodic rap. What started as a personal ambition in 2018 has now grown into a promising career filled with milestones, local performances, and even international recognition.
For Kantuftw, music wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way to find meaning, direction, and ambition. “I started making music to make a name for myself, to do something in life, to have ambition, to have goals, to give me more drive than working every day with no clear direction of my future,” he explains. Those words reflect the hunger of an artist who sees music as both passion and purpose.
While his earliest tracks were created in his bedroom, by 2023 he began to take the craft more seriously, transforming raw ambition into real-world opportunities. His determination led him to perform at several events across Belfast, including the Sounds of NI showcase at Crescent Arts Centre, multiple shows at Voodoo alongside Belfast legend Jun Tzu, as well as an EP launch party performance and a set at Garetta in Lisburn. Each stage gave him not only exposure but also the confidence to keep pushing forward.
But Kantuftw’s journey goes beyond local stages. His biggest accomplishments so far include contributing background vocals to Rarin’s hit “Call Me Girl,” a single that racked up millions of streams globally. Then, in January, he had a once-in-a-lifetime moment when he participated in a Belfast cypher with none other than Ed Sheeran—a surreal experience that proved how far his journey has already taken him.
At the heart of his story, though, is a message to fans and dreamers alike: “If you have a dream, keep pursuing that dream. Life will knock you down, but you will keep getting back up. If you are focused on the right things, you can achieve greatness.”
With a growing resume, undeniable drive, and a message rooted in resilience, Kantuftw is more than just another emerging name—he’s an artist on the rise, determined to make his mark both at home in Belfast and on the global stage.