Octavian announced as BBC Sound Of 2019 winner
Twenty-three-year-old rapper has established himself as one of the UK's most exciting new talents
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Your support makes all the difference.South London rapper Octavian has been announced as the winner of BBC's Music's Sound Of 2019 poll.
The 23-year-old was chosen by a panel of 136 music industry insiders comprised of Radio 1 DJs, industry experts and fellow artists. His first full-length EP Spaceman was released last year to positive reviews.
Octavian, who was born in France, has experienced homelessness and poverty, but in a few short years has managed to build himself up as one of the UK's most exciting and innovative young talents.
He attracted wider attention after tastemakers and high profile musicians, including Drake, began sharing his music from their social media accounts.
Listing him among a Ones to Watch list earlier this year, The Independent noted: "Over an amalgamation of house, techno, grime and drill he raps and sings in his signature raspy vocals.
"It's this distinguishable voice that has people so excited: Octavian sounds like no one else and, listening to his music, you get the sense that anything and everything is possible for his future."
Octavian said: "I knew that one day 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 from me. Loads of music, loads of visuals, loads of albums."
BBC Radio DJ Annie Mac commented: "Octavian is a truly exciting and original artist, pushing the boundaries of the genre. It's great to see such a progressive artist get such a huge accolade."
The top five artists in the Sound Of poll are:
1) Octavian
2) King Princess
3) Grace Carter
4) Slowthai
5) Rosalia
Previous Sound Of winners have gone on to enjoy major success, including Adele, Sam Smith, Years & Years and Michael Kiwanuka.
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