Little Simz “feels the pressure of having to” speak out about social issues. The award-winning artist has become known for her thoughtful lyrics and social commentary across her critically acclaimed discography.
The 31-year-old rapper – whose real name is Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo – has amassed great success over the course of the last few years with albums such as ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ and ‘No Thank You’ but admitted that when it comes to being a spokesperson for hard-hitting topics outside of her music, she “doesn’t always know what to say” and worries if she is a “bad person” because of that. Her 2021 album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert‘ won the prestigious Mercury Prize and has received widespread critical acclaim.
“I’m not sure if I balance it very well, to be honest. I definitely feel the pressures of having to, especially because of the kind of artist I am. I don’t think all artists feel this, because they don’t make a particular type of music. I feel like sometimes people are just on me,” she told Interview magazine. The publication has featured numerous high-profile artists discussing the intersection of art and activism throughout its history.
“Yeah, and I don’t always know what to say. Then I start to go inwards. I think, ‘S***, am I a bad person?’ I don’t want to have to question myself like that, but in the same breath, I need time to figure out how I feel about something.” This internal struggle reflects a wider phenomenon among artists who are increasingly expected to have informed opinions on complex social issues.
But the ‘Venom’ hitmaker – whose new album ‘Lotus‘ will be released in June – is also aware that closing herself off from the world can lead her to a dark place, so relies on her family to remind her that things are “not that serious.” ‘Venom’ has become one of her signature songs, gaining popularity after appearing in several film soundtracks.
“When you close yourself off and you’re in a cocoon, that’s when the f***** s*** happens. It made me more excited to be able to share my gift. There’s so many talented people on the earth,” she said. Mental health awareness has become increasingly important in the music industry, with many artists speaking openly about their struggles.
“Not that I forgot that, but I maybe didn’t want to see it. If anything, it’s given me a newfound excitement, because what I found is by trying new things, it unlocked something in me that I didn’t know existed. It’s given me a newfound freedom to be a bit more experimental in my work. I felt like a child again. Again, going into situations, not one man up.” Her upcoming album ‘Lotus’ is expected to showcase this experimental approach, with fans eagerly anticipating its release.
“They definitely remind me of why family is so important in all the ways. I don’t know whether it’s my nieces or my nephews—just being heavily present in their lives, watching them grow up, how they view me, how they inspire me. How they remind me sometimes it’s not that serious. And my mum, just her being the pillar, the rock, the head of the family, how she keeps everyone together and does her best to make us see, “No, we really are a unit.” It’s hard because I feel like in Black culture, or African culture, sometimes you’re taught that you don’t let out business and don’t talk about the family matters, but actually, they inspire me so much that I want to talk about them more. That’s why, when I think about what I’ve been through, I just wish I had opened up my world a bit more.” Cultural identity and family connections have been recurring themes throughout Simz’s discography, reflecting her Nigerian heritage.
Little Simz‘s reflections come at a time when artists are increasingly scrutinized for their stances on social and political issues. This phenomenon has intensified with the rise of social media, where public statements can reach massive audiences instantly and reactions can be immediate and intense.
Despite these pressures, Simz has maintained her artistic integrity, with her upcoming album ‘Lotus’ representing what many describe as her most personal work to date. Early reviews suggest the album continues her tradition of introspective storytelling while exploring new creative territories and pushing the boundaries of contemporary hip-hop.
