Across Continents for the Music: A Conversation with Dwayne Wyrwas
For some fans, music is something you listen to. For others, it becomes something you follow—across cities, across countries, and sometimes across continents.
By Karina Brandt
For Canadian fan Dwayne Wyrwas, that journey began in 2019, when KEiiNO performed Spirit in the Sky at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.
“I was in awe,” he recalls. “I didn’t even understand what Fred was singing at first—but I loved it. I was hooked from that night.”
What started as a moment in front of a TV screen has since grown into something much bigger.
A Sound That Resonates
For Dwayne, KEiiNO’s music goes beyond melody.
“Being a gay man and feeling different—not belonging or not feeling good enough when I was younger—that really resonates with me,” he explains. “KEiiNO’s music brings a sense of belonging. As Tom often says, everyone has the right to be who they are. Just be yourself. All are welcome.”
Choosing a favorite song, however, is nearly impossible.
“It changes all the time,” he laughs, listing tracks like Spirit in the Sky, Monument, Damdiggida, Halo, Mother of the Night, Nights of Thunder, Insomnia, Midnight Marina, Unbreakable, and Indigo Night. “The list just keeps going.”
Following the Music Across Continents
What makes Dwayne’s story stand out is not just his passion—but how far he’s willing to go for it.
“I’ve now flown to Europe six times to see KEiiNO perform,” he says.
His journey began in 2022 with a concert in Gjøvik, Norway—a trip that almost didn’t happen due to pandemic restrictions.
“We had booked everything while Norway was still closed. We just hoped the rules would change—and luckily, they did. That night… I’ll never forget it.”
From there, the journey continued:
• Amsterdam in 2023
• Multiple visits to London’s Royal Vauxhall Tavern
• Oslo’s Vulkan Arena
• Glasgow and London again in 2025
Each concert brought new experiences—but one venue holds a special place.
“The RVT concerts are something else. The energy is ecstatic. The whole crowd sings every word. KEiiNO even called it the ‘Embassy of KEiiNO’—and that’s exactly what it feels like.”
The most recent London show on April 18 was completely sold out—another sign of the band’s growing international reach.
More Than a Concert
For Dwayne, the concerts are only part of the story.
A defining element of his experience has been meeting the band in person—something KEiiNO is known for prioritizing.
“They really take the time for their fans,” he says. “They’re so welcoming and full of love and appreciation.”
The first meeting in Gjøvik was overwhelming.
“I don’t even remember what I said—I was so nervous. It’s all a blur.”
But over time, those encounters became something even more meaningful.
“I’ll never forget when Alexandra said hello to me by name in Amsterdam. That moment… it meant everything.”
Meeting the band has only deepened his connection.
“It just confirms how special they truly are.”
A Global Community
Through his travels, Dwayne has also discovered something else: a worldwide community.
“I’m actually quite a shy person,” he admits. “But there’s something about KEiiNO concerts that brings me out of my shell.”
From Norway to the Netherlands, from the UK to beyond, he has met fans from all over the world—connected by the same shared experience.
“It means so much to be part of a community that shares that joy.”
A Journey Still Unfolding
And the story is far from over.
With KEiiNO bringing their tour to North America, Dwayne is about to experience something new: seeing them live at home.
“I’m still pinching myself. It’s a dream.”
The upcoming Toronto show holds special meaning—not just personally, but culturally.
“Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Diversity and inclusion are our strength here. I truly believe Toronto is a KEiiNO city.”
He will also attend the New York show the following day, continuing a journey that has already spanned continents.
“The World Needs More KEiiNO”
After everything—the travel, the concerts, the connections—one message remains at the core of Dwayne’s story.
“Every KEiiNO concert is pure joy and happiness,” he says. “I never want it to end.”
And if he could say one thing directly to the band?
“Just simply—thank you. Thank you for your music, for your kindness, and for the joy you bring to people all around the world.”
Then he adds, with a smile you can almost hear through his words:
“The world needs more KEiiNO.”
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