Little Simz on Her Own Terms

Ask Little Simz if she’s proud of where she’s gotten to, and the answer instantly gives you the measure of the person and artist. “I’m just focused on doing what I’ve got to do,” she says. “I’m focused on the next thing. My work is far from done, man.”

Simz is speaking in advance of the opening of London’s Meltdown festival, which she ­curated this year and closed with a performance backed by the Chineke! Orchestra. At 31, she’s the youngest-ever artist to take that prestigious ­curator role, and by doing so, follows in the footsteps of names like David Bowie, Grace Jones, Yoko Ono, Nile Rodgers and Chaka Khan.

The rapper is already riding high on universal praise for her sixth full studio album, Lotus, which showcases new levels of artistic maturity and diversity, despite being released during a time of intense personal and creative conflict. Then there’s the shelf of British music industry awards, a growing screen-acting portfolio (including a ­recurring role in the hit series Top Boy) and recognition for her work across styling, choreography and filmmaking.

That success hasn’t come overnight. ­Instead, Simz—who first started honing her rapping, singing, dancing and acting skills in a North London youth club as a schoolkid—has built steadily, one role or release at a time, expanding her palette and constantly self-interrogating through a uniquely introspective lyrical style. Her work plays doubt and determination off each other, reflecting the stages of her personal growth.