BET Awards 2022: Get to Know Rapper and Singer Little Simz Making Big Noise in the UK
Born Simbiatu "Simbi" Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, British rapper, singer, songwriter, and actress Little Simz rose to fame as a musician following the release of her first three studio projects, including A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons, her 2016 album Stillness in Wonderland, and Grey Area, which she debuted three years later under her self-founded record label Age 101.
Simz has been applauded for lyrical skills and earned the respect of veteran artists, including Grammy Award-winning emcee Kendrick Lamar. Her efforts garnered many more recognitions, including a nomination for “Best International Act” at the BET Awards 2022. Ahead of culture’s biggest night, get to know the multitalented entertainment-making waves in the UK music scene.
She started her career as an actress
Before fame in the music industry, thanks to projects including A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons and Stillness in Wonderland, Simz began acting. The seasoned artist landed the role of Vicky in the BBC 2010 children's series Spirit Warriors. She also appeared as Meleka in the E4 show Youngers from 2013 to 2014.
She earned a co-sign from fellow BET nominee Kendrick Lamar
Simz scored cool points with fellow BET nominee Kendrick Lamar following the release of her 2015 debut studio album, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons. The project earned critical acclaim while the veteran emcee praised the rising artist on her lyrical stylings.
"It's a young lady out here that's pretty dope, by the name of Little Simz," “The Heart Part 5” rapper said in an interview. “Little Simz...she might be the illest doing it."
She doesn’t like to be referred to as “a rapper”
During an interview with The Guardian, Simz was asked if she saw herself as UK’s most prominent female MC, to which she answered, “I’m not a UK female MC. I’m an artist. I’m a musician. I’m not someone you can put in a box.”
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She considers herself an otherworldly figure
While talking to WIRED, the “Venom” artist frequently referred to herself as an “otherworldly figure.” “Alien life, I don’t really fuck with human beings,” she told the outlet. She’s also a part of an art collective known as Space Age.
She wants to be an inspiration and a trailblazer
The “Woman” musician wants her work to set an example and be an inspiration to all who support her. When asked why she started her own label, Age 101, the star shared, “It’s just such an inspiring story, being the fact that I’m 21 years old from North London, a female at that. I’m a young woman. ... It’s more about everything around it. And that’s the story. That’s the message.”
Tune in to the BET Awards 2022 Sunday, June 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET.
