For the last few years, West London rapper Bawo has enjoyed critical praise that few can match. Initially, he explored different shades of hip-hop and rap but did so with a self-assuredness that set him apart. Comparisons have been drawn with contemporaries like Kadiata and Knucks. Much has been made of a ‘West London’ sound in the rap scene, and although it’s difficult to pin down, there’s something fundamental that Bawo taps into. West London, he explains, looks more to hip-hop culture from the West Coast of America, “In West, you see NBA jerseys and hats more than anywhere else I've been. It's like a steeze.” Growing up in a traditional Nigerian household, ‘musician’ might not have been his parents’ first choice for their son’s career, but there was plenty of musical nourishment at home. From Alexandra Burke and X Factor to Akon and country music, it all had its place. All music, no matter the genre, was judged on its own merit, and this anything-goes approach had a lifelong impact on Bawo’s philosophy. “Music in the house was definitely prominent,” he explains. "My parents weren't musicians, but they loved music in their own ways. My dad, especially, would play music every weekend, all day long. We listened to Nigerian tribal music and worship music from my tribe, Itsekiri.” With two EPs under his belt and a debut full-length on the way, Bawo is proving his staying power. He tries not to place too much importance on stats and numbers, joking that after his first sold-out show (a 150-strong audience at The Social), he clocked in for his 7:00 AM shift at Waitrose the next morning. When he began receiving messages from fans worldwide, encouraging him to continue or sharing how his music helped them through tough times, he knew he was onto something. Presented by Metropolis Music. This is a 16+ event