What makes the music and nightlife scene in London unique?

It’s so diverse. London is melting pot of so many different vibrant cultures, lives and stories and that dynamic makes it a very fertile ground for inspiring creative people. There are so many different clubs in London and that are versatile in the music they play; I’ve been to strictly hip-hop raves, bashment raves, house raves, dubstep, and garage. There’s just always a variety and I love that. There is never just one thing and one particular kind of music, the entire creative industry globally borrows from and has always borrowed from London.

What makes going out in the capital special?

You don’t know what to expect. You’ll start in one club and end up in another, or come across a bar that’s playing live music. You never know what’s going to happen on a night out in London.

Where in London gives you the most ideas for your music?

To be honest, home … north London … Highbury and Islington. From my early days of school, to getting my creative start at Saint Mary’s Youth Club, to hanging out with my friends and riding our bikes from Essex Road to Canonbury to Shoreditch, these all give me fuel to craft music.

Which part of the city do you most like to go out in?

Probably east London, around the Dalston and Shoreditch areas. I spend a lot of my days in the east anyway, and me and my friends aren’t the type who like to travel to go to parties … I can’t see myself getting ready and dressed up to go party in south London!

What’s your favourite east London venue?

I tend to hit up Birthdays on Stoke Newington Road. It’s just the vibe. The venue room is underground and there’s no mobile reception, so you’re not seeing people on their phones being antisocial – you have no choice but to leave or be in that space and enjoy the environment, dance and have a good time. It’s in a cool area. When you’re leaving a club you always need a kebab place nearby, or a cab rank right there and Birthdays has all that on its doorstep. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been to that venue. It’s been a lot.

What bigger clubs would you recommend?

Concrete and Village Underground are really cool, and are bigger and more spacious. The only thing I don’t like in bigger venues is when it doesn’t get busy and people are just standing around, talking, doing their own thing. It just kind of deads the vibe. I’m not into everyone being crammed in like sardines – but just love it when the energy is high and everyone’s dancing. I spent a New Year’s Eve at Concrete and it was one of my best nights out yet. The DJs were playing bangers, there was that new-year togetherness, the whole area was completely on fire and Concrete is right in the middle of Shoreditch; people were just out in the street having a good time.

Which club nights might we see you at?

Licence to Chill is a great hip-hop, trap night. Work It, Fiesta. All these happen around east London. They’ve got good vibes, good energy. Just turn up.

Who are the artists and producers coming out of London to listen out for right now?

Chuck 20 and Josh Acré are two London artists to watch. OTG’s an amazing producer.

Can you sum up nightlife in London in three words?

Exciting. Messy. Unexpected.

Little Simz’ new EP, AGE 101: DROP 4 is coming soon.

Red Bull Music Academy will be in London from 8-12 April. For a full programme of events visit redbullmusicacademy.com