Leeds Festival 2026 in Leeds

About the artist

Joseph Junior Adenuga, better known as Skepta, is an English Grime MC from Tottenham, North London, England. Originally from and born to Nigerian parents he moved from Lagos to London aged three. His family history can be traced back further to Ethiopia, to the Falash Mura community. He is a producer and DJ commonly associated with the North London Grime scene, including Roll Deep and Boy Better Know. The name “Skepta” originated from the word Sceptre, a type of staff. He did not like the way it was spelt and felt that he wanted a unique stage name so ‘that he could type “Skepta” in YouTube and only he would come up.’ So, he changed it. Skepta started his music career after he won a MC battle with over 300 people contesting beating Tempa T in the final. He also formed a partnership with his brother JME and became renowned throughout Greater London for his hit single (he also produced), “Private Caller” which featured many of his Meridian Crew from Meridian Walk in Tottenham. Skepta (Managing Director) along with brother JME (CEO), began their grime label Boy Better Know in late 2005. The phrase “Boy Better Know” was originated by Big H the artist. This phrase was then taken by Skepta and JME. Early 2006 saw the release of ‘Shut Yuh Mut’ - Boy Better Know Edition 1 which features all 3 artists and throughout the years has contributed and aided many other artists such as Frisco and Wiley to put out mixtapes, along with JME (4 mixtapes) and Skepta’s September 2007 release ‘Greatest Hits’, which was distributed nationwide.

Lineup

• Violet Grohl
• Slayyyter
• Charli xcx
• bar italia
• Hamdi
• ROLE MODEL
• Kneecap
• Say Now
• Keo
• Fontaines D.C.
• Geese
• Sombr
• ADÉLA
• Kettama
• Florence + The Machine
• Chase & Status
• JADE
• Josh Baker
• Kasabian
• Declan McKenna
• RAYE
• Skye Newman
• Lens