Sony/ATV and Stellar Songs Sign British Rap Talent Octavian

Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Stellar Songs have signed stand-out new British rap talent Octavian to a worldwide deal via their joint venture.

The south-east London songwriter, singer and rapper has been hailed by the media as 'shaping the sound of rap in 2018' while winning public endorsements from global superstar Drake.

Sony/ATV Head of A&R, UK David Ventura said: “The first time I listened to his music I had to ask myself what planet he was from! He is so unique in his writing, in his melodies and in his delivery. In truth, I haven’t heard anyone doing what he does, and I am his biggest fan. He is a true pioneer and visionary. I simply cannot wait for people to discover him.”

Stellar Songs co-founder Tim Blacksmith said: “Stellar Songs is elated to have Octavian join the family. I have been extremely impressed by not only his music prowess but also his understanding of visuals, art and fashion that makes up his very unique and compelling sound.”

At just 22 years of age and having to date released  a handful of singles, south-east Londoner Octavian is already being widely cited as the UK’s next big rap star. Pitchfork proclaimed that he was 'shaping the sound of rap in 2018', Noisey declared he was the one to watch and Complex highlighted him as one of the MCs destined for a big year. Alongside these media endorsements, he has also won the public backing of Drake who posted lyrics from Octavian’s breakout release 'Party Here' on his Instagram account in January and was then filmed a few days later singing the song at a Golden Globes after-show party in Los Angeles.

The underground success last year of 'Party Here' led to renowned independent label Black Butter Records offering a recording deal to Octavian who was born Oliver Godji in Lille, France but relocated with his mother to Camberwell in south-east London as a toddler. Although he later returned to France for a couple of years, he then went back to London as a teenager and enrolled into the BRIT School.

However, it was away from the famed performing arts and technology college whose former students include Adele that Octavian’s music identity started to fully take shape. With his friend Jordan Christie, aka J Rick, serving as producer, he released the EPs 22 and Essie World whose titles were inspired by south-east London’s “SE” postcode. These were then followed by what became his breakout song, “Party Here”, which won over both tastemakers and fans alike. It has since been succeeded by the songs “100 Degrees”, “Hands” and “Little”, which combined showcase a musical versatility from the young MC who is equally comfortable in the worlds of house, rap and grime.

Octavian now features on Grammy-nominated British electronic artist Mura Masa’s brand new single “Move Me”, which was released in June to huge critical acclaim. He is managed by Greg Burnell and Cillian Farrell at the newly-launched Palm Artists Ltd.