For DJ Sugar Kayne, music took on a different meaning following his experience with bladder cancer.
Matthew Kayne, founder of Sugar Kayne Radio, underwent major surgery in 2023 and spent time recovering before returning home.

As he began looking for ways to move forward, he started engaging with cancer support and discovered music therapy.
It was during this period that the idea for his first original song, “Free Like A Bird”, began to take shape.
In a 2024 article about his cancer journey, Matthew wrote about finding comfort in music therapy and wanting to write and compose his own song. His aim was to create something that could help people going through similar experiences while also raising awareness of bladder cancer.
The song became more than a music project for Matthew. It gave him a way to put his own experiences into words and share a message with people who might recognise something of their own lives in it.
Matthew later described “Free Like A Bird” as a song about hope, writing that he wanted to share that hope with anyone facing their own battles.
The response to that first release encouraged him to continue.
Matthew went on to release “Look At Me Now”, followed by his latest single, “It’s a Wonderful World (Remix)”. His music has therefore developed from a project that began during his recovery into an ongoing part of his work alongside Sugar Kayne Radio.
The connection between his experiences and his music has also remained clear. In an interview with The Jewish Chronicle, Matthew described “Free Like A Bird” as being inspired by his experience with bladder cancer and said: “It’s more than music; it’s my journey of strength and freedom.”

For Matthew, the importance of that first experience was not simply about recording a song. It showed him that music could give him another way to communicate what he had been through and potentially reach people facing their own difficult periods.
That idea has continued into his later releases.
His latest song, “It’s a Wonderful World (Remix)” takes a more forward-looking approach, focusing on hope, positivity, strength and appreciating life after difficult experiences.

Reflecting on that period in his own account of his cancer journey, Matthew wrote:
“Returning home was an emotional and triumphant moment. I started engaging with Chai Cancer Care, where I found solace in music therapy with a wonderful therapist. I wanted to write and compose my own song to help millions of people who are going through similar journeys and to raise awareness about bladder cancer.”
The journey from music therapy to songwriting has also become part of the wider story behind Matthew’s work. Alongside broadcasting through Sugar Kayne Radio, he continues to use music as a way to connect with listeners and share experiences that might otherwise be difficult to put into words.

His story has since been discussed in other media, including a 2025 profile in “The Jewish Chronicle”, which highlighted his work as a broadcaster, volunteer and music artist and the connection between his cancer experience and songwriting.
What began as a music therapy experience during recovery has therefore continued well beyond that original period. Matthew now has three original releases to his name, with music providing an ongoing creative outlet alongside his work in radio.

About Sugar Kayne Radio
Founded by Matthew Kayne, Sugar Kayne Radio is a 24/7 radio station bringing together music, broadcasting and community-focused content.
The station broadcasts on DAB across North East London, North East and South West Essex, and South Hertfordshire, as well as reaching listeners online and through its dedicated app.
Matthew continues to present shows on Sugar Kayne Radio while developing his work as a songwriter and using the station as a platform to connect with listeners and other voices.