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Little Simz: unfiltered interview with British rap phenomenon
Little Simz is forging her own unique trail through the rap landscape off the beaten track. Her music is tinged with jazz and nu soul, while her lyrics are both sophisticated and politically conscious. The young British artist of Nigerian descent fully showcases her groundbreaking universe on Lotus, her highly-anticipated sixth album.
Interview by Alexis Thibault,
portraits Mathieu Rainaud,
artistic direction Edem Dossou.
Simbi Ajikawo once considered a career as a footballer or tennis player. But her performances under the stage name Little Simz are what have ultimately made her become a true phenomenon of British rap. In London, few have yet to give in to her alternative hip-hop, steeped in nu soul and orchestral jazz. You can expect abrupt tempo changes, irresistible syncopated basslines, and string and brass arrangements worthy of a 1970s soul classic.
Who is Little Simz, the British rap superstar?
For the young woman, who was raised by her Nigerian parents in a social housing complex in Greater London, it all began with a handful of mixtapes and freestyle videos posted online during her teenage years. Her early work already foreshadowed the striking formula of an extraordinary artist, especially Blank Canvas in 2013. The free structure of her tracks steers clear of bland commercial hits, while her incisive and flexible flow inevitably conjures up memories of Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott.
Her rich and engaged storytelling, whether delivered over boom bap beats or Nigerian highlife (Point and Kill in 2021), is reminiscent of both the words of James Baldwin and the writings of Virginia Woolf – particularly the use of stream of consciousness, a narrative technique that captures the disjointed flow of a character’s thoughts. Memories, sensations, and fleeting impressions in real time, unfiltered.
Little Simz unveils Lotus, her sixth studio album
Face of the latest Burberry campaign, curator of the upcoming Meltdown Festival in London, and praised by her peers Doechii and Kendrick Lamar, the thirty-something artist with a deceptively laid-back attitude now needs a bodyguard to move around the British capital. It’s worth noting that she’s already filling 20,000 seats in stadiums like the O2 Arena in Greenwich, where she’s about to perform on October 17th. The massive venue was originally scheduled to host Michael Jackson’s This Is It show for 50 dates back in 2009…
The Mercury Prize winner, who received the prestigious award for her brilliant album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert in 2022, is now back with Lotus, her sixth studio album. For the occasion, she has gathered some of the finest talents in music: Moses Sumney, Sampha, Obongjayar, Michael Kiwanuka, and drummer Yussef Dayes.
Little Simz’s interview for Numéro
Originally scheduled for May, the release of the album was postponed to June. Apparently the artist was busy on film sets. Despite our repeated questions about this mysterious cinematic project, Little Simz remains tight-lipped, offering nothing more than a slightly amused smile. Interview.
Numéro: Have you ever wondered why people like you?
Little Simz: For my accent? [Laughs.] I think it’s because I’ve always stayed true to myself. That’s all. I talk about what I live, without exaggeration. And above all, I accept that not everyone is going to hop on my train. My music isn’t for everyone, and I’m fine with that. It’s the soundtrack to my life. A sonic documentary fed by a mix of textures and styles that was never created to please anyone.
“You get boring easily when you become too predictable. The unexpected is much more thrilling, don’t you think?” Little Simz
When did you realize you were successful?
My idea of success has changed a lot. It’s not a fixed moment, but a journey. Ambitions are constantly evolving. What once gave you a thrill might leave you completely indifferent today. That’s just how humans are, always chasing for “more”, myself included. Wanting more doesn’t necessarily mean craving more success. It might mean more laughter, more time with loved ones, more space to create. Not everyone dreams of conquering the world ten times over! [Laughs.]
Do people see you as stronger than you really are?
No one can truly understand what an artist’s life is like. Because of success, people assume I’m always happy and fulfilled. Of course, there are moments of pure joy, but there are also times when I feel absolutely nothing or when I feel overwhelmed with stress because of a crazy schedule. And sometimes… I just get bored. Honestly, those moments of boredom and introspection are vital. It’s often in that emptiness that the urge to write a new album takes shape. Ironically, a new record then throws me back into the whirlwind of touring and promotion. That’s the real, secret life of an artist.
“I’m experimenting a lot more now. I’m no longer afraid to explore new themes or step outside my comfort zone.” Little Simz
For you, what is the hardest thing about working in the music industry?
Realizing that some people just don’t care about the music… Music is a business, and not everyone involved in that business has a sincere or visceral connection to it. Honestly, I find it pretty sad. But you know what? I have no desire to spend my life fighting that reality.
What’s the most helpful advice anyone’s ever given you?
“Be gentle with yourself.” Simple, but incredibly powerful. I sometimes believe that I need to have all the answers, even about the direction I should be heading to. The truth is, I often have no idea. And I feel guilty about that. After all, who else but me is supposed to know how to live my own life? So that advice came at the right time.
“To me, art is about taking uncomfortable risks.” Little Simz
What images come to mind when you think of Lotus, your new album?
Raw storytelling. Very raw, almost punk. It feels like going on a trip without knowing the destination. And at the end, you’re like: “Wait, what? We’re already there?” After my last EP, Drop 7 [2024], I took a break, a hiatus, call it what you will. I knew my return had to make an impact, shake things up. Flood [2025] felt like the perfect track to jolt people. You get boring easily when you become too predictable. The unexpected is so much more thrilling, don’t you think? To me, art is about taking uncomfortable risks.
And what kind of risk have you recently taken?
This album is a risk in itself. It includes tracks like Young, which has a punk, almost brash aspect to it. Then there’s Blue, a very stripped-down duet with Sampha, a simple piano and guitar. I have a soft spot for Peace, a song I created with Moses Sumney and Miraa May. We wanted to craft something both peaceful and deep, like an embrace, an emotional refuge, a place where you never feel alone. When it comes to writing, I’ve always been consistent. What’s changed is how I record and use my voice. I’m experimenting a lot more now. I’m no longer afraid to tackle new themes or step outside my comfort zone.
Which song is the most underrated one according to you? Can you name one track that you’re secretly really proud of?
The other day I was listening to Far Away, the closing track on my Drop 7 EP, and between you and me, I think it’s a little gem, isn’t it? [Laughs.]
Lotus (2025) by Little Simz, coming out on June 6th, 2025.
