Get to know Nadia Rose

Until last year, Nadia Rose was splitting her time between university and a dull job in a high street bookmakers. Eventually, the 22-year-old realised she was giving more time to helping put bets on the horses than her preferred career.

“It was tearing me up,” she admits now. Having previously scribbled lyrics on the back of betting slips, Rose quit her job in order to focus on music, eventually signing with Sony. “My parents were worried that I was putting all my eggs in one basket,” she says, but they understood. Music runs in the family: her dad was a DJ and MC around South London, and her cousin is none other than grime don Stormzy.

Rose suggests that another cousin could follow her into the business, but right now, it’s all about her. Having impressed with early singles ‘Station’ and ‘Boom’, there’s now an EP on the way.

“I want people to get to know me. I’m showing my lyrical abilities. Grime, bashment, garage. There’s a nice mix in there,” she says of the release, which will include new single ‘Skwod’.

Rose speaks with a steely determination and says her goal is to be “The best – ever”. That confidence is evident in her brash rhymes, but she’s trying to write more emotional songs too, even if it hurts. “Sometimes I like to be a rock, but when I tap into that emotional side it can be overwhelming.”

Ultimately, Rose says self-assurance is best given to others. “I get my confidence from the music I grew up with,” she says. “Missy Elliott, Lil Kim, The Spice Girls. I just hope I can make people feel the same.”

Nadia Rose plays the Annie Mac presents All Day Raves from September 24 - October 1