Saturday, April 25, 2026 · No. 114
Artist Profile

Skepta

Skepta is a seminal figure in the grime music scene, recognized for his role as a founding member of the collective Boy Better Know and his influence on British urban music culture.

Biography

Born Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr. in London, Skepta emerged as a central figure in the grime genre during the mid-2000s. After a brief stint with the group Roll Deep, he co-founded the independent label and collective Boy Better Know in 2005 alongside his brother, Jme, establishing a platform that would define the sound and distribution of grime for the next two decades.

Beyond his musical output, Skepta has expanded his creative practice into fashion design, film direction, and visual curation. His work often explores the intersection of identity, urban life, and the evolution of British musical heritage, utilizing both sound and visual media to document the cultural impact of the grime movement.

His contributions to British culture are currently being recognized in institutional spaces, including his inclusion in the V&A East Museum's inaugural exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story. This exhibition highlights his role in the trajectory of Black British music, cementing his status as a pivotal cultural figure in contemporary art and music history.

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Career Highlights

  • 2005Founding of Boy Better Know
  • 2026Inclusion in V&A East inaugural exhibition
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