Mixxyville

At just 18 years old, South London rapper LeoStayTrill is proving that age is no barrier to mastery. His latest single, Active, showcases a refined approach to his craft, using his voice as a percussive instrument atop a rhythm-driven track that perfectly blends production and lyrical dexterity. The release highlights not only his skill as a rapper but also his ear for production—a dual talent that’s been earning him critical acclaim and his second MOBO nomination, this time for Best Drill Act.

Active follows hot on the heels of Blessing, which dropped earlier this month. That track marked Leo’s first release since his November EP Last Quarter, a vulnerable and expansive project that pushed his Afro-Drill sound into new territories. Blessing introduced choral and anthemic elements, signaling the next phase of Leo’s sonic evolution.

With endorsements from artists like Dave and Ed Sheeran, two EPs released in just eight months, and a growing international following, LeoStayTrill is clearly on an upward trajectory. Drawing inspiration from a global palette of sounds, he crafts music that resonates across borders while staying true to his South London roots.

Leo’s rise has been meteoric. Home Alone followed his viral hit Hands on Knees with K-Trap, which racked up over 6 million teaser views and sparked thousands of user-generated videos online. Fresh off a standout performance at Our Homecoming Fest in Nigeria and boasting 2.1 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Leo has become a formidable presence in the UK music scene. His sold-out Home Alone tour saw performances in Manchester, Birmingham, and London, further solidifying his reputation as a must-see live act.

Late 2024 marked another milestone with Leo’s first headline sold-out show at The Camden Assembly, where he brought out ArrDee and Tion Wayne. With over 140 million streams on Spotify alone, two MOBO Award nominations (Best Newcomer and Song of the Year), and a support slot for Asake at the O2 Arena, Leo is staking his claim as one of the UK’s most exciting young artists.

The journey began with his second single, Honeybun, which has amassed over 6 million streams. A playful, syncopated track, it set the stage for his viral freestyle Pink Lemonade, a summer sensation that skyrocketed Leo onto the global stage. Since then, he’s maintained a relentless work ethic, releasing collaborations like Cardi with 163Margs, Demure with ArrDee, and Lost in Sardinia, as well as featuring on Tion Wayne & MJ Cole’s sleeper hit Crazy Love.

LeoStayTrill’s story is rooted in passion and self-determination. Born in London to Zimbabwean parents and raised in South London, he began performing at a young age, quickly impressing audiences and winning over his initially skeptical parents. He taught himself production and has maintained a creative partnership with producer Xeretto since 2019, crafting hits like Honeybun and Pink Lemonade together. This collaborative approach has defined his signature sound: a contagious mix of drill’s percussive energy, Afro-swing melodies, and London’s cultural diversity.

With Active, LeoStayTrill continues to define his own lane, fusing rapid-fire drill delivery with infectious global rhythms. In just a year, he has emerged as one of the UK’s most compelling young voices, with a sound that’s already turning heads internationally. The future is limitless for this South London prodigy.