Novelist: "There’s Definitely An Interesting Cultural Moment Happening in South London"

"It's iconic because we made it iconic," says Novelist in the Balamii booth, reflecting on South London's status as one of the world's most exciting places for independent music right now.

The 27-year-old MC inaugurated this very space over ten years ago, playing a set here back in 2015. "It's part of the foundation that springboarded so many people. It's community radio, my brother's had a show on here, my mother's had a show on here, I've had a show on here."

It's no surprise Novelist has chosen this space for the interview: he rose through the ranks with community radio shows and viral freestyles uploaded to YouTube, first appearing on pirate stations like Flex FM and Rinse FM, emerging from Lewisham’s 2010s grime new wave alongside The Square peers like Elf Kid, Faultsz and DeeJillz. He's not a social media guy – his Instagram is private — and prefers to simply get in the booth or on stage and spit bars to promote his music.

This year, he'll be performing at GALA - a homecoming gig of sorts: "I feel there is certain level of anticipation and expectancy of my presence. People are gassed I'm there, they recognise me as a local. It's expressed in how they receive my music, they really show up and show out."

Below we chat to the grime MC about the importance of place and why South London's resilience has made it so culturally unique:

How would you describe Lewisham for someone who has never been?

The multiverse - you got the positive, the negative. Massive artists, underground realms, all sorts. Culturally, it's a place where people are free to express themselves how they want. No one is watching too hard. I got homies that own shops, make art, paint clothes, sell food, all sorts.

The borough has such a distinctive sense of pride, from merch to music. Why do you think that is?

I don't care how contrived this sounds, the borough has one of the sickest emblems - you wanna wear it! That, and a sense of community, gives everyone a certain level of pride. I don't know anyone from Lewisham that doesn't have that thing where they can say it with their chest, 'I'm from Lewisham'. We've made it iconic - the same way them New York brothers talk about Queensbridge or Harlem.

You've chosen to meet us today at the Balamii booth in Peckham — why does this place mean so much to you?

I believe I was the first episode of Balamii, ever. I just want to shout out James [Browning, founder of Balamii] and his team for taking the time out to give people a platform. It's not easy to run something of this nature.

The South London music scene feels like its very much community-oriented: getting a platform comes from the people around you. Do you think that's the case more so here than other areas of the city?

When it comes to the community aspect of South London, I feel as though a lot of us know each other from before we even had any kind of social status in our fields. Platforms like Balamii and different organisations of a similar nature facilitate an unspoken network.

I can't really speak for other areas in London, but I know that in South, there could be a man from a whole different block from you, you bump into each other enough and it's going to be wagwan when you see each other. We make a thing out of it. It's important to maintain that aspect - you got to live life, man, you're only on earth once.

You have been passionate about place throughout the entirety of your career — you were even Deputy Young Mayor of Lewisham when you were 15. Why is it so important for you to give back to where your from?

One time I had a conversation with God and I was just saying "Why am I from Lewisham?" What came to me in my heart was to effect change where you're from. I'm on that.

You got to eat from what you serve, man. You give respect, you get respect and I've always wanted to see like my surroundings do better. Obviously, don't get stepped on! But you got to do the best you can to see everyone thrive and I feel like that's a human responsibility, it's not exclusive to me.

"Wherever I go, I scream Lewisham. I want to define a time that there was that sense of pride here, and that era would be now."

Are there any artists in particular from this neighbourhood you want to shout out?

There's so many - I don't want to single anyone out. I thank everyone that came before me and big up all the young Gs doing their thing right now. Lewisham is just one of those places that people want to express themselves creatively, especially through the art form of music.

I'm grateful to be one of the heavy hitters that's influenced a lot of people. It's funny - one day you go from being a regular guy in the hood doing your thing, to being a guy who people stop in the street and say 'legend'. When did the crossover happen? I've just been doing the same thing, making music. I feel like we have a drive and a passion in Lewisham. Wherever I go, I scream Lewisham. I want to define a time that there was that sense of pride here, and that era would be now.

Since you first started making music, South London has really evolved in terms of its creative output: there's more labels, musicians, festivals, venues and parties going on around here. Do you think it's having a moment?

Definitely. South's becoming a hotspot. I think that's good because the young people get a chance to express themselves. Some people get a chance to cultivate an actual career. I kind of hate the cliche word 'scene', but there's somewhat of a scene happening in south that is beneficial for everyone.

Are you worried it may be changing too much?

I'm not worried about gentrification because the true essence comes from within, not without. The true essence of how people express themselves is always gonna be carried in the DNA of the people. It don't matter where you place us.

Lastly, what can we expect from your GALA set?

Hype and vibes.

Anything you'd like to add?

One day, I'm gonna get a GRAMMY.

Nov plays GALA this Friday. Trippin's official GALA after party takes place at Peckham Palais - with tickets available here.