Little Simz, born Simbiatu "Simbi" Abisola Abiola Ajikawo on February 23, 1994, in Islington, London, is one of the most influential voices in UK rap today. Raised in a Nigerian immigrant household, she embodies the African diaspora’s impact on global music, blending influences from both the UK and Nigeria. Through her storytelling, career choices, and cultural connections, Simz has become an inspiration for the diaspora, proving that success doesn’t require compromising one’s roots.
Simz was born to Nigerian parents of Yoruba descent and was raised in North London alongside her siblings. Her upbringing in a Nigerian household deeply shaped her identity—she grew up hearing Afrobeats, Fuji, and gospel music, which later influenced her genre-blending sound.
She attended Highbury Fields School, a girls' secondary school in North London, before moving on to Westminster Kingsway College, where she pursued performing arts. Her passion for music and acting led her to enroll at The University of West London, where she studied music technology, but she left to focus entirely on her career.
Her education in performing arts and music technology played a crucial role in her development, giving her the tools to create and produce music independently. Her decision to leave university for music reflects the bold, self-determined approach that has defined her career.
One of the most striking aspects of Simz’s artistry is how she weaves her Nigerian heritage into her music. Tracks like “Woman” (from Sometimes I Might Be Introvert) celebrate Black women worldwide, including Nigerian icons like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Toyin Ojih Odutola. She also integrates Afrobeats rhythms and themes of migration, struggle, and belonging, making her music deeply relatable to Africans across the globe.
For many artists of African descent, breaking into the global music industry often means conforming to Western expectations. Simz, however, took a different path—she remained independent under her own label, AGE: 101 Music, proving that Black artists can thrive without industry gatekeepers.
Her storytelling often explores what it means to be caught between two worlds growing up British while holding onto her Nigerian roots. In S.I.M.B.I (2021), she delves into family dynamics, identity struggles, and the pressures of representation, topics many diaspora Africans face.
This independence is particularly important for diaspora artists, who often struggle to gain recognition while staying true to their roots. Simz’s success is a blueprint for other African creatives, showing that talent, authenticity, and perseverance can surpass industry limitations.
Beyond music, Simz actively connects with her Nigerian heritage. She has expressed admiration for Afrobeats giants like Burna Boy and Wizkid, showing how UK rap and Afrobeats are intertwined. Her ability to exist between these two worlds has made her a cultural bridge, introducing African influences to UK audiences and vice versa.
Her presence in global conversations whether at the BRIT Awards, the Mercury Prize, or collaborations with international artists keeps African heritage at the forefront of mainstream discussions.
Simz’s impact extends beyond music; she’s a role model for young Black artists, especially those in the diaspora who feel the pressure of dual identities. She’s living proof that it’s possible to embrace both cultures without losing oneself.
For aspiring Nigerian and African artists in the UK and beyond, Little Simz stands as an example of unapologetic Black excellence—someone who owns her story, celebrates her heritage, and redefines what it means to be a successful Black artist on the world stage.
Little Simz’s journey embodies the resilience, talent, and creativity of the African diaspora. Through her music, independence, and cultural representation, she’s not just a rapper , she’s a global force proving that the diaspora’s voice is louder and more influential than ever.
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