Little Simz
Little Simz | |
---|---|
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Born | Simbi Ajikawo 23 February 1994 |
Other names | Lil Simz |
Occupations | |
Years active | 2010–present |
Musical career | |
Genres | Hip hop |
Labels | AGE: 101 Music |
Simbi 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[1] and the UK Indie Albums Chart at number 43.[2]
Early life
Simz 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.[3] Simz later studied at Westminster Kingsway College and pursued her music career from there.[citation needed]
Career
Acting
After several months of auditioning by the BBC for the show Spirit Warriors, it was announced in June 2009 that Simz had been cast in the supporting role of Vicky.[4]
In 2012, Simz joined the cast of E4 (TV channel)'s TV series Youngers as Meleka.[5]
Music
Simz is often nicknamed "Bars Simzson". She describes her music as rap and experimental.[6]
Simz has performed alongside Estelle, Tinie Tempah and Ms. Dynamite.[3]
Simz has performed at Rising Tide, ILUVLIVE, Industry Takeover (Urban Development) Hackney Empire,[7] Somerset House and the House of Lords.[8] She also performed at the BBC 1Xtra Prom 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside a full orchestra led by Jules Buckley.[9]
Simz can be heard on the Leave to Remain film soundtrack, performing the song "Leave It As That".[5] In early 2013, she appeared on BBC Radio 1 Xtra to discuss her performance at the Hackney Weekend.[10]
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.[citation needed]
Discography
Albums
- A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons (2015)
- Stillness in Wonderland (2016)
Mixtapes
- 2010: STRATOSPHERE
- 2011: STRATOSPHERE 2
- 2013: XY.ZED
- 2013: BLANK CANVAS
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) (with her crew "SpaceAge3000")
- AGE 101: DROP X (2015)
Tours
- AGE101 DROP THE WORLD (2015)
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2010 | Spirit Warriors | Vicky | TV series |
2013 | Youngers | Meleka | E4 (TV channel) series |
References
- ^ http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-albums-chart/20150925/115/
- ^ http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-albums-chart/20150925/131/
- ^ a b "Islington rapper Lil Simz destined for big things - Music". Islington Gazette. 20 June 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Bo and the Spirit World casting news". ScreenTerrier. 3 June 2009. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
- ^ a b "Production Blog 2: Lil Simz". Leave2remain.org. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "BBC Introducing and AIF presents...Lil Simz". WikiFestivals. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Radio 1's Hackney Weekend 2012 - Acts - Lil Simz". BBC. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Single of The Week: Lil Simz - Eastern Jam (Freestyle) | MOBO Awards". Mobo.com. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "BBC Radio 3 - BBC Proms, 2015 Season, 1Xtra Prom - Credits". BBC.
- ^ "BBC Radio 1Xtra - Adele Roberts, Little Simz comes by for a Brew 4 Two". BBC.
External links
- Little Simz at IMDb
- Little Simz discography at MusicBrainz