Home is …
Greengate, just between Essex and London. I live with my missus, my 12-year-old and my five-year-old.
Where was your first flat?
Plaistow — I lived with my mum, brother and sister there in the early Nineties.
What was your first job?
I actually haven’t ever had a job before I started doing music. That sounds so mad to say.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
It depends on the person — maybe a restaurant in central. I love a Turkish restaurant, I’m a simple guy. My missus likes expensive restaurants, so I’ve been to a few — I like Roka, the black cod there is nice. But if it’s more of an activities date, I’m dying to go to The Cube in Canary Wharf.
Which shops do you rely on?
There’s a shop in Greengate called Alkaline Roots, you can get all your natural stuff, your natural soaps, fruits like soursop that you’re not really going to find in the supermarket. In terms of clothes, being honest, I do like designer stuff, it just lasts longer. I’ve had some of my Prada trainers for years. So, I’m a Selfridges and Harrods shopper. I’m a man of the finer materials.
Best meal you’ve had?
Definitely a home-cooked meal from none other than my mother. I’m half-Jamaican and half-Grenadian, and my mum cooks a great Jamaican dish.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I would get rid of people paying for parking outside their house. It’s so crazy to pay for your home and then having to pay to park outside said home. I wouldn’t eradicate the congestion charge, because I understand its use, but I’d lower the price. People are having a real hard time out here. Cost of living, you know?
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
Chris Eubank Senior. He’s an iconic rude boy — his style, his speech, how he was in the ring. He oozed swagger. A lot of people hated him, but that’s what happens when you’re super confident. Either him or Ian Wright.
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
A cabbie actually said I should do the drivers’ knowledge quiz because I know the roads so well. I was flattered.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
I used to love a club called Aquarium in Old Street, but I don’t really go out too much nowadays. Getting more famous, you know.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
I spend like money can’t run out, I do it really stupidly. I bought a car on Apple Pay once.
I spend like money can’t run out... I bought a car on Apple Pay once
What are you up to at the moment for work?
I don’t really class what I do as work. I’m blessed to do something that I love. I’m touring Australia in January, and I’ve got my two Southbank Centre shows this month — I’m performing on October 26 and hosting a poetry and music event for the London Literature Festival on the 27th.
Who is your hero?
As I’ve got older, I’ve realised that my heroes are people in my family. My nan in particular — she left Jamaica at a very young age and came to England on her own. She was the first successful person that I really knew.
What do you collect?
I collect bikes — four wheelers, two wheelers, three wheelers, motorbikes, quads. My son’s got a collection too. We’re in the double digits.
Which podcast are you obsessed with?
I’ve been listening to a podcast called The Deep End about all things God and religion.
Favourite work of art in London?
There’s a guy called Jay Angelo — he makes amazing art. He’s a pretty underground artist right now, but I predict big things for him. I’ve bought a few pieces from him, and the art is truly amazing.
Favourite beauty spot?
My barber in Greengate, called Blessing. If you’re ever in the area of Newham or Plaistow, or even if you’re not but you want to be treated nicely, go there.
What apps can you not live without?
Shazam, definitely? Do you know how much I use Shazam? You wouldn’t believe.
What was the last thing you googled?
Where is Michael Jackson’s monkey, Bubbles? Mad, but you’ve got to think about it. He’s gone from living a life of luxury, and now he’s in this sanctuary. And he’s basically a joke, telling all the other chimpanzees about this life that he used to live, touring with the most popular man on earth, and they’re thinking he’s chatting crap. I hope he’s doing okay, I hope his mental health is good. Bubbles, we haven’t forgotten you bro.
Ghetts, October 26, Royal Festival Hall; Ghetts Presents: An Evening of Poetry and Music, October 27, Queen Elizabeth Hall; southbankcentre.co.uk
