4. Little Simz
The Voice of a Generation
Little Simz, born Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo in 1994, has become one of Britain’s most extraordinary cultural forces: a rapper, singer, actress, and storyteller whose artistry transcends genre and borders. From North London council estates to the biggest stages in the world, her journey is a testament to talent, vision, and sheer determination.
Simz began rapping as a teenager, releasing mixtapes that revealed her precocious skill and raw honesty. In an industry often dismissive of women, especially Black women in rap, she carved her own path, fiercely independent and creatively uncompromising. Early projects like A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons (2015) and Stillness in Wonderland (2016) announced her as a major talent, but it was her later albums that elevated her into superstardom.
Grey Area (2019) was a breakthrough — gritty, sharp, and emotionally searing, it won the Ivor Novello Award and earned a Mercury Prize nomination. Then came Sometimes I Might Be Introvert (2021), a masterpiece hailed as one of the greatest British albums of the century. With sweeping orchestration, razor-sharp lyrics, and unflinching introspection, it won the Mercury Prize and a BRIT Award, cementing her as not just a rapper but one of the most vital voices in global music.
In 2022 she followed with NO THANK YOU, a defiant, reflective album that peeled back the curtain on her industry struggles while affirming her independence. Critics hailed it as yet another triumph — proof that her artistry is never static, always evolving.
Her live performances are legendary. Backed by orchestras or full bands, Simz commands the stage with a presence both regal and intimate. At Glastonbury, the BRITs, and festivals across the world, she has captivated audiences with performances that feel less like concerts and more like communal experiences.
But Simz is more than music. As an actress, she has shone in roles such as Shelley in the acclaimed series Top Boy, bringing the same authenticity to the screen that she brings to her lyrics. Her impact extends into fashion, activism, and cultural commentary, making her a true multi-hyphenate artist.
What sets Simz apart is her ability to be both vulnerable and powerful, both deeply personal and universally resonant. She raps about identity, family, mental health, and society with a clarity that cuts through noise and trends. For many, she is not just an artist but a guide — someone who articulates the struggles and triumphs of a generation.
In 2023 she curated London’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre, becoming the youngest artist ever to do so. The event showcased her taste, vision, and commitment to lifting up other voices, reflecting her belief that music is about community as much as personal expression.
At #4, Little Simz stands as one of Britain’s crown jewels — an artist whose work is timeless, fearless, and transformative. A Mercury superstar, a cultural leader, and the voice of her time, she is nothing short of iconic.
