Introduction
Simbiatu 'Simbi' Abisola Abiola Ajikawo (born 23 February 1994), better known by her stage name Little Simz, is a British rapper, singer and actress. Following the release of four mixtapes and five EPs, she released her debut album A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons on 18 September 2015 through her independent label, AGE: 101 Music. The album entered the UK R&B Albums Chart at number 20 and the UK Independent Albums Chart at number 43. She released her second studio album Stillness in Wonderland in 2016. Her third studio album Grey Area (2019) was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
Early life
Ajikawo was born in Islington, London to Nigerian parents. She is ethnically Yoruba. She studied at Highbury Fields School in London. She went on to attend St Mary's Youth Club in Upper Street, Islington, where pop stars Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke also attended. Ajikawo later studied at Westminster Kingsway College and pursued her music career from there.
Career
Acting
Simz appeared as Vicky in the BBC children's series Spirit Warriors, originally broadcast in 2010, and as Meleka in the E4 television series, Youngers.
Simz was also the narrator for the television series, Afrofuturism.
She appeared in Netflix's revival and third series of "Top Boy" premiering on Autumn 2019.
Music
Simz is often nicknamed "Bars Simzson".She describes her music as rap and experimental.
Simz has performed alongside Estelle, Tinie Tempah, Ms. Dynamite and Kano.
Simz has performed at Rising Tide, ILUVLIVE, Industry Takeover (Urban Development) Hackney Empire, Somerset House and the House of Lords. She also performed at the BBC 1Xtra Prom 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside a full orchestra led by Jules Buckley.
Simz can be heard on the Leave to Remain film soundtrack, performing the song "Leave It As That". In early 2013, she appeared on BBC Radio 1 Xtra to discuss her performance at the Hackney Weekend.
Simz then went on to do a Maida Vale session for Huw Stephens, and has since gone on to receive critical acclaim from the likes of Zane Lowe, Dizzee Rascal and Revolt TV. She also has received praise from Kendrick Lamar.
On 16 December 2016 she released her second studio album Stillness in Wonderland. It was inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and supported by a comic book, art exhibition and festival.
In 2017, she performed as the opening act for Gorillaz during their Humanz Tour, and was the vocalist for the song "Garage Palace", featured on the Super Deluxe edition of their album Humanz.
On 1 March 2019 she released her third studio album Grey Area to widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.
Her album Grey Area has been nominated for IMPALA's European Independent Album of the Year Award (2019).
Discography
Albums
- A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons (2015)
- Stillness in Wonderland (2016)
- Grey Area (2019)
Mixtapes
- STRATOSPHERE (2010)
- STRATOSPHERE 2 (2011)
- XY.ZED (2013)
- BLANK CANVAS (2013)
Extended plays
- E.D.G.E (2014)
- AGE 101: DROP 1 (2014)
- AGE 101: DROP 2 (2014)
- AGE 101: DROP 3|000 (2014)
- AGE 101: DROP 4 (2015)
- THE THEORY OF... (2015)
- AGE 101: DROP X (2015)
- Drop 6 (2020)
Singles
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Offence" | 2018 | Grey Area |
| "Boss" | ||
| "101 FM" | ||
| "Selfish" (featuring Cleo Sol) |
2019 |
As featured artist
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Cuckoo" (Raleigh Ritchie featuring Little Simz) |
2014 | Non-album single |
| "Bad Dreams" (Joywave featuring Little Simz) |
2015 | How Do You Feel Now? |
| "The Nest" (Faze Miyake featuring Little Simz) |
Faze Miyake | |
| "So Human" (Rosie Lowe featuring Little Simz) |
2016 | Control |
| "Back to My Love" (Becky Hill featuring Little Simz) |
Eko EP | |
| "Far Cry" (Jack Garratt featuring Little Simz) |
Phase | |
| "The Book" (OTG featuring Little Simz) |
2017 | Garden of Osiris – EP |
| "Garage Palace" (Gorillaz featuring Little Simz) |
Humanz | |
| "Proud of Me" (Mahalia featuring Little Simz) |
2018 | Non-album single |
| "Favourites" (The S.L.P. featuring Little Simz) |
2019 | The S.L.P. |
Guest appearances
| Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Get This in Check" | 2013 | None | Youngers, Part 1 |
| "The Drop" | 2014 | Nick Brewer | Four Miles Further – EP |
| "Table" | 2016 | Kehlani | Non-album single |
| "Location" (London Remix) | 2017 | Khalid | Non-album remix |
| "Indie Girls" | Jesse Boykins III, Kilo Kish | Bartholomew | |
| "DBT Remix" | 2018 | Lioness, Lady Leshurr, Queenie, Shystie & Stush | Non-album remix |
| "Rewind Time" | VanJess | Silk Canvas | |
| "King" | Ghetts | Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament | |
| "3WW" (OTG Version) | alt-J | Reduxer | |
| "Pink Youth" | 2019 | Yuna | Rouge |
| "Venom" | None | Top Boy – A Selection of Music Inspired by the Series |
Tours
- AGE101 DROP THE WORLD (2015)
- Welcome To Wonderland (2017–2018)
- Grey Area Tour (2019)