20 artists who will make your year in 2017
Here's who will guide you through the next 12 months
18 Kojey Radical
Kojey Radical is one of the most compelling voices in UK music right now. He's been called a rapper, but it'd be a disservice to label him just that. The tracks on this year's '23 Winters' EP are like poetry, the London-based musician reciting poignant words on love, his philosophies, society and his Ghanaian heritage, with conversations with his father acting as interludes. It's a beautifully delivered piece of work, 'Footsteps' and 'Bambu' especially, and puts him up high with fellow UK spoken word artist and Big Dada affiliate Kate Tempest. The release also earned him two MOBO nominations this year, one for Best Newcomer and the other Best Video for 'Footsteps'.
Combining Kojey with Gaika on 'Loose Residuals' was expectedly potent, hosted by Afropunk Festival the same day Kojey sold out The Jazz Cafe in London. It's not just music he's excelling in, either. A man with suave and eclectic fashion sense, he was strolling down the catwalk for Oliver Spencer at London Fashion Week in September. Check this outrageous suit he donned at the MOBOs for more evidence of his swagger. He's out to help the UK's future stars, too, presenting workshops and creative writing sessions in spoken word. We're in for a treat if up-and-comers are learning from him. D Turner
