BBC announces Sound Of 2019 winner

BBC Sound Of 2019 winner Octavian. Photo: BBC Media Centre

Rapper Octavian is this year’s BBC Sound Of 2019 champion, seeing off a fine selection of the UK’s brightest talents

South London rapper Octavian’s music incorporates grime, house, pop and gospel, he’s received a seal of approval from megastar Drake and now he’s been christened winner of Sound Of 2019, all at the age of 23. Born in France, Octavian moved to Britain at the age of three and is an alumnus of the Brit School along with past winners Adele and Jessie J.

The rapper is signed to Sony/ATV and his releases to date include the mixtapes 22 and Spaceman, with a debut album expected “very soon.” Octavian sites Drake and Bon Ivor amongst his biggest influences.

“I knew that one day I was going to be successful,” said Octavian after winning. “I get inspired and I try to make a new sound every day. It’s going to be a very loud year for me. Loads of music, loads of visuals, loads of albums.” He is the first rapper to win Sound Of since 50 Cent won in 2003, beating King Princess and Grace Carter who came second and third, respectively.

Every year a panel of over 130 music industry experts pick their favourite new artists, with past winners including Sigrid, Haim, Sam Smith and Ellie Goulding. This year Ellie Goulding and Stormzy were a part of the judging panel.

BBC’s Sound Of 2019 finalists in order are Octavian, King Princess, Grace Carter, slowthai and Rosalia. Read more at bbc.co.uk

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