Nigerian-British rapper, producer, and fashion innovator Skepta has officially been crowned British GQ’s 2025 “Man of the Year”.
After nearly two decades of reshaping Britain’s sound, style, and swagger, he earned the coveted cover feature and cemented his legacy as a cultural pioneer.
The 43-year-old, born Joseph Junior Adenuga, has long stood at the intersection of street authenticity and global influence.
From freestyling on Tottenham’s pirate radio stations to headlining Glastonbury and Paris Fashion Week, Skepta’s evolution has defined a generation. Now, with this GQ recognition, the world is finally paying homage to grime’s greatest export.
From Tottenham to the Top
Skepta’s rise mirrors the journey of grime itself — raw, independent, and unapologetically British. His 2016 album Konnichiwa didn’t just win the Mercury Prize; it validated an entire genre that had been sidelined for years.
In the British GQ feature, Skepta opens up about his next chapter — one that moves beyond music into legacy-building. He reflects on fatherhood, the growth of his fashion label, Mains, and his upcoming album, Fork & Knife, set for 2026. “This chapter is about creativity, not competition,” he says.
More Than Music — A Cultural Architect
British GQ’s decision to make Skepta its cover star marks a major cultural shift. It’s the first time an MC from grime has earned the magazine’s top Men of the Year honour — a move that recognises how deeply hip-hop and street culture have shaped British identity.
The feature celebrates Skepta’s multi-dimensional impact:
Music & Innovation: From “Shutdown” to “That’s Not Me,” Skepta continues to blend grime, Afrobeat, and electronic layers with boundary-breaking creativity.
Fashion & Business: His Mains fashion line has become a Soho-based hub where London streetwear meets luxury craftsmanship.
Mentorship & Legacy: Beyond the spotlight, Skepta mentors emerging artists, aiming to “make the path clearer for the next generation.”
What Comes Next
With the GQ crown in hand, Skepta is already gearing up for his next big leap — a global tour and creative projects that merge sound, design, and film. More importantly, he says his goal now is to “create opportunities, not competition.”
As British GQ puts it, Skepta is no longer just a musician — he’s a movement.
