She's just as famous for her energetic stage performances as she is for her soaring vocals, but New Zealand singer Kimbra has revealed that she has been battling with severe asthma her entire life.

The 24-year-old beauty has spoken out about her personal health struggles for the first time as part of a new campaign for Asthma Awareness Week.

Diagnosed as a child by her doctor father and nurse mother, Kimbra said as an adult she even has to keep an asthma inhaler close to her microphone on stage just in case she has an attack.

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Deep breathes: New Zealand songstress Kimbra has revealed that she has been a lifelong asthma sufferer

'I take an inhaler everywhere with me and keep it by my mic on stage just in case I feel wheezy, especially if I have a cold,' she told the Daily Mail Australia.

'I've never had an attack while singing, but when I was younger it would get really bad when I was sick.

'My parents diagnosed me early which helped, and I have a strong routine in place.

Stage persona: The 24-year-old beauty said she has to keep an asthma inhaler near her microphone on stage in case she has an attack

Lifelong struggle: The Cameo Lover was diagnosed by her medical professional parents as a child and would often have asthma attacks when she was sick

Outspoken advocate: She has become ambassador for Asthma Awareness Week and their new Take Control campaign throughout September

'If people have the correct medication and a routine, that's what helps me to manage mine.'

From her indie origins, the quirky singer/songwriter has blown up in the past few years largely thanks to singing on Gotye's No.1 worldwide hit Somebody That I Used To Know and the success of her debut Vows.

It's no wonder some of the biggest names in the music industry wanted to work with her on her sophomore effort The Golden Echo, including Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns and hitmaker John Legend.

Colourful star: After an international breakthrough in recent years, she has just release her second album The Golden Echo and the colourful video for single Miracle

On the rise: After singing on Gotye's worldwide No.1 break-up anthem Somebody That I Used To Know she has rocketed to international stardom from her smaller indie music days

All smiles: For her sophomore effort, she worked with major names like Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns and Grammy Award-winner John Legend

'John originally wanted the song we worked together on - Nobody But You - on his album but we re-worked it and put it on mine,' she said.

'The process with him was very much like "Let's get it done today! Spur of the moment, you run with it!"

'I found that a real challenge and a skill to learn, that idea of working in the moment.

Touring time: Kimbra is touring Australia to promote songs off The Golden Echo throughout September

'He is an incredible musician and writer, and so mature in his craft.

'I worked a lot on the music and lyrics towards the end but he was all about getting melodies and chords down.'

Having sung backing vocals for him before, Kimbra didn't write off a future collaboration with Legend and even his close friend Kaye West in the future.