A Kamilaroi kid who changed the game.

From couch-surfing in Redfern to headlining Coachella — this is the story of a Kamilaroi kid who changed the game.

Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard — better known to the world as The Kid LAROI.

Born in Waterloo, New South Wales, and proudly Kamilaroi (Gamilaraay) through his mother's side, his name isn't just a stage name — "LAROI" is a direct tribute to the Kamilaroi people, the mob he comes from. And everything about his journey honours that heritage.

From humble beginnings in Redfern, Sydney, LAROI went from couch-surfing and struggling to make ends meet with his single mother to signing an international record deal at just 16.

He began performing music at just 13 years old, and at 14, independently released his debut EP 14 with a Dream — uploading it to SoundCloud and YouTube from his bedroom. That scrappy, self-made hustle caught the attention of the music industry almost immediately.

Then came the moment that changed everything. Signing with Lil Bibby's Grade A Productions and Columbia Records, LAROI picked up Australian support slots for his label mate, the late Juice WRLD — who became one of his greatest mentors and champions. Juice WRLD had met LAROI while on tour in Australia, and the two struck up a powerful musical friendship.

The music world took notice fast. His debut mixtape F*ck Love peaked atop the ARIA Charts — making him the youngest Australian solo act to ever achieve this — and also hit the top of the US Billboard 200. Then came the collab that broke the internet.

His single "Stay" with Justin Bieber reached No. 1 in the US, Australia, and peaked at No. 2 in the UK. It wasn't just a hit — it was a cultural moment.

And just this past weekend? LAROI joined Justin Bieber on stage at Coachella 2026 to perform "Stay" in front of a crowd of thousands. On the world's biggest festival stage, a proud Kamilaroi man from Waterloo stood tall.

From a 13-year-old recording in a borrowed studio to a global superstar who carries his Kamilaroi identity with pride — The Kid LAROI is proof that where you come from can become the greatest source of your power.