Skepta
Joseph Junior Adenuga Jr., known professionally as Skepta, is a British-Nigerian rapper, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur. He was born on September 19, 1982, in Tottenham, London, England, to Nigerian parents of Yoruba heritage.
Skepta is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of grime music. He began his career in the early 2000s as a DJ and MC before rising to prominence as a founding member of the influential grime collective Boy Better Know (BBK), alongside his brother Jme and other collaborators.
Over the years, Skepta has released several critically acclaimed projects, including Greatest Hits, Doin’ It Again, Konnichiwa, Ignorance Is Bliss, and Knife and Fork. His breakthrough came with hit singles such as Shutdown, That’s Not Me, Man, and Praise the Lord (Da Shine) with A$AP Rocky, helping bring grime music to a global audience.
In 2016, his fourth studio album, Konnichiwa, won the prestigious Mercury Prize, solidifying his reputation as one of the United Kingdom’s leading rap artists. Beyond music, Skepta has played a significant role in bridging the gap between UK grime and African music, collaborating with artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, J Hus, Pop Smoke, and A$AP Rocky.
Known for his distinctive flow, innovative production style, and cultural influence, Skepta remains one of the most respected voices in contemporary British and African music. His work continues to strengthen the connection between London’s urban music scene and Nigeria’s thriving Afrobeats movement.
