Little Simz

Little Simz is the stage name of Simbiatu “Simbi” Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, a rapper, singer and actress from Islington, United Kingdom. Her music is associated with hip hop, pop rap and grime, and she also describes it as rap and experimental. She is born in 1994.

Early releases and independent work

She first comes to prominence through a run of independently released albums. Her debut album, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons, appears in 2015, followed by Stillness in Wonderland in 2016. She releases her music through her own Age 101 Records, and this approach defines much of her early career. In 2018, she and Age 101 sign a worldwide deal with AWAL Recordings, following AWAL’s earlier distribution of her debut album; the deal is renewed in 2020.

Albums and recognition

Her 2019 album Grey Area brings wider critical attention. It is shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and wins Best Album at both the Ivor Novello Awards and the NME Awards. It is also nominated for IMPALA’s European Independent Album of the Year Award. Her fourth album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, is released in 2021, reaches number 4 on the UK album chart and wins BBC 6 Music’s Album of the Year. The album also earns her the 2022 Brit Award for Best New Artist and the Libera Award for Best Hip-Hop/Rap Record. Her fifth studio album, No Thank You, follows in 2022.

Style and collaborations

Although closely linked with grime, Little Simz draws on reggae, blues, synth-rock and jazzy R&B. She performs alongside Estelle, Tinie Tempah, Ms. Dynamite and Kano. She also receives praise from artists and media figures including Kendrick Lamar, Zane Lowe, Dizzee Rascal and Revolt TV.

Live performances and other projects

Her live appearances include Rising Tide, iluvlive, Industry Takeover at Hackney Empire, Somerset House and the House of Lords. She performs at the BBC 1Xtra Prom in 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall with a full orchestra led by Jules Buckley. In 2017, she supports Gorillaz on the Humanz Tour and sings on “Garage Palace”, which appears on the Super Deluxe edition of Humanz.

She also appears on the Leave to Remain film soundtrack with the song “Leave It As That”. Earlier in her career, she appears on BBC Radio 1Xtra to discuss her Hackney Weekend performance and later plays a Maida Vale session for Huw Stephens.

Related work

Stillness in Wonderland is inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and is supported by a comic book, art exhibition and festival.