Little Simz

Rapper and actress Simbiatu Ajikawo – best known by her artist name Little Simz, or simply Simz – is not only synonymous for her prolific and pioneering music, but also for her energetic live performances. When in full flow on a stage, she’s potent, compelling and a force to be reckoned with.

Born and raised in Islington, she grew up a shy child of Nigerian heritage who discovered her love of singing at St Mary’s Youth Club, which artists including Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke had also attended.

Little Simz started making music and uploading it to SoundCloud as a teen. At the same time she also emerged as an actress landing roles on TV shows like Spirit Warriors and Youngers.

By the time she was 20, Little Simz had made several mixtapes and EPs so decided to form her own label, Age 101. She released her debut EP E.D.G.E. (an acronym for her motto “Every Day Gets Easier”) in 2014. The following year, after winning Breakthrough Artist Of The Year at BBC DJ Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards, her debut full-length album A Curious Tale Of Trials + Persons arrived and was named Independent Album of the Year at the AIM Awards.