02.02.21
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Funmi Ohiosumah, better known as Flohio, may have been born in Lagos, but she’s now squarely associated with south London.

After all, it was a feature on God Colony’s SE16, that announced Flohio as a one to watch back in 2016. Despite a rapid ascent aided by the backing of fashion magazines and high-profile co-signs – we see you Naomi Campbell – Flohio has refused to sand off her sound’s hard edges. Unveiled, the lead single from No Panic No Pain, pairs churning, distorted synths with staccato rhymes – “Morе hype, more rage!” – to set the tone for her long-awaited debut album: a record that cements Flohio as an essential, and subversive, voice in UK rap. What better time, then, to ask the Bermondsey rapper to indulge us in our round of quick-fire questions.

What’s your biggest fear?
Losing everything and starting from scratch.

What’s the weirdest DM you’ve ever received?
Ahah, I don’t read my DMs.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
To know that I’m stronger than I think.

What makes you feel nostalgic?
Things from the past, like heirlooms. This necklace from my Grandma.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
Being at two places at once.

What’s the weirdest party you’ve ever been to?
I had a crazy trip at this party I attended a while back.

What’s the biggest realisation you’ve had in the past year?
Life is one big 360 waiting to happen.

Proudest moment of your life?
I mean it’s not really a moment, but telling people I do this for a living.

Favourite scene from a movie or TV show and why?
Face/Off. When John Travolta is walking into his home at the end and his wife, daughter and little boy are waiting for him. Cute.

What’s your worst habit?
Biting my nails.

If you could have written any album in history, what would it be?
PARTYNEXTDOOR – PARTYNEXTDOOR.

Signature dish to impress at a dinner party?
Mac & cheese. But not just any mac & cheese. Mine is deluxe, definitely.

Who’s inspiring you right now?
Me, myself & I – and Wizkid.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?
Going fishing and having it for dinner afterwards.

Favourite spot in London and why?
The Tower Bridge Docks, great scenery.

Weirdest thing you’ve seen happen in a club?
Maaan, this guy comes next to me, pulls his pants down and started pissing. I swear I could have decked him.

What would you want written on your tombstone?
Nah, I don’t play these games. I can’t answer this one.

What’s your favourite lyric you’ve ever written and why?
Too many to go back into.

What piece of advice would you give young Flohio?
Tell her to keep going. Cliché I know. Facts tho.

What instantly cheers you up?
Family and friends. Especially my nephew’s laugh.

No Panic No Pain is out now on AlphaTone