This year’s BBC Sound Of 2019 winner has been named as South London based rapper Octavian, following in the footsteps of last years winner Sigrid who has had an incredible 12 months.
The winner was chosen by a panel of music industry insiders from the likes of Radio 1 DJs, previous winners and artists including Ellie Goulding. His success follows on from the release of his first full-length mixtape titled Spaceman released last year. Octavian’s diverse music sound brings together rap, R&B, grime, house and many more to create his own unique sound which has seen him gain support from DJs across Radio 1 and 1Xtra.
Octavian’s story is one which makes him an even worthier winner, the Londoner who was born in France had a turbulent upbringing has experienced homelessness and ended up dropping out of Brit School. Regardless of this his hard work has gained him recognition from many within the industry and he can even consider Drake as a fan after he shared a video of him singing along to Octavian’s track Party Here.
When speaking about winning the award, Octavian explained “I knew that one day I was going to be successful. 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.”. We absolutely love the journey which he’s gone on and congratulate him on his award. This makes Octavian the second rapper who has won the Sound Of award following on from 50 Cent back in 2003.
Completing the top 5 in the Sound Of 2019 list is King Princess, Grace Carter, Slowthai and Rosalía. Previous winners have included Years & Years, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding and Adele which gives an indication about how exciting Octavian’s journey could be about to get. Find out all about this years list here.
Octavian will join the likes of Ellie Goulding, Grace Carter, Mahalia, Sea Girls and Dermot Kennedy at the Sound Of 2019 live event which takes place on 31st January at Maida Vale studios. For your chance to be there apply for tickets here.