Grey Area

Daughter of Nigerian immigrants, the rapper of the hour in the United Kingdom delivers a major album. World fame surely lies ahead for Simbi Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, alias Little Simz, barely 25 years old. Clearly European in her use of pop, soul, R&B and jazz references, her digital beats, instrumental approach and production (c/o Inflo) shine from the beginning to the end of these ten tracks, on which the young woman’s flow is simply devastating. The writing and the voice breathe confidence, obstinacy, and independent thought, but Little Simz’s armour also hides an inner fragility that brings her back to among us mortals, a good thing in itself.