In a landmark moment for British culture and global music, grime legend and multifaceted creative Skepta has been unveiled as British GQ’s first-ever Men of the Year cover star. The announcement, accompanied by a striking cover image, cements his status as a towering cultural architect.
The magazine’s tribute captures the essence of a man who has transcended his genre to become a global force.
“Presenting British GQ’s first Men of the Year cover star: Skepta,” the publication announced. “Sure, he’s still dropping huge, summer-defining tracks, like his epic collab with Fred Again – that is, when he’s not running his festival, or showing his fashion brand, Mains, at London Fashion Week.”
Skepta, born Joseph Junior Adenuga, has long been a pioneer in the music industry. From his early days with Boy Better Know to winning the Mercury Prize, he has consistently pushed boundaries. But this cover recognizes a newer, more expansive phase of his career.
As GQ notes, he is “running his festival” (Big Smoke Festival) and showcasing his fashion brand, Mains, at London Fashion Week. He is no longer just participating in the culture; he is building the infrastructure for it.
The cover story arrives as Skepta prepares to release his first album in over six years, a project that fans have been eagerly anticipating. It marks a moment of reflection for the artist, described by GQ as “finally taking stock of what he’s built: a lightning rod for the culture.”
In the feature, Skepta delivers a powerful quote that encapsulates his independent spirit and influence on the next generation.
“There ain’t no gatekeepers,” says Skepta. “Whoever thinks they’re a gatekeeper needs to look again at that gate.”
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This statement is a direct challenge to the traditional power structures of the music and fashion industries. It reflects his journey of bypassing establishment barriers to create his own lane—a path that has inspired countless Nigerian UK-based artists to do the same.
For Nigeria and the African diaspora, Skepta remains a vital connector. As a chief in his family’s hometown in Ogun State, he has always proudly worn his Nigerian heritage, bridging the gap between London’s grime scene and the exploding Afrobeats movement. His GQ cover is a victory for that entire cultural ecosystem.
