Little Simz wants to inspire the next generation of artists.
The British rapper, real name Simbiatu Ajikawo, has opened up about wanting to make the music industry more accessible.
“Allowing people to see me on the ground is super important, because I want people to feel like it’s in reach; I’m in reach; your dreams are in reach,” Simz told Elle in a recent cover story interview.
The 30-year-old went on to explain that she wants to create an “experience” for young people that makes them believe they can follow in her footsteps.
“I’m working out how I can be more present – going into schools and youth centres,” she said. “I hope an experience like that might stay with a young person: I’m there, with them in this youth club, and tomorrow I might be walking the catwalk. I want people to see me and say, ‘Yeah, I could be doing that.'”
The Gorilla hitmaker went on to share her thoughts on the cuts being made to youth clubs and the arts in the U.K.
“It’s frustrating. I can’t imagine what my life might have been if I didn’t have that,” she told the publication. “It’s not like there’s that much to do in the environments we grow up in, so you end up on the road. Kids are creative by nature and trying to axe their creativity at such an early age is super-detrimental.”
She added, “Creativity is a way of life. When it’s tended to and nourished, you learn how to figure things out, how to make and create things, and that really helps you in your future. It’s not just about doing a painting.”
