Novelist (real name Kojo Kankam) is an all-round creative from Lewisham.
Nov is a Music Producer, Recording Artist, Engineer, Label Manager, Designer, Stylist, Music Video Director, Writer, Youth Mentor, Music Mentor (amongst other things!).
Novelist drew inspiration at the early age of six years old; his primary influences came from UK underground music DVDs that were in circulation at the time, as well as the pirate radio stations on air showcasing UK underground music.
After years of local shows at youth clubs and MC freestyles on YouTube, Nov soon found his way onto radio stations such as Flex FM, Rinse FM and Reprezent giving him the platform to reach a wider audience and develop his fan base from the age of 14. Aged 17 Novelist went on his first tour outside of the UK and was nominated for a MOBO Award in the Best Act of Grime category, solidifying his name amongst his musical peers.
In the midst of his introduction to the music industry, Nov teamed up with producer Mumdance and put out his first collaborative single with Rinse FM’s label, and then a new EP under the XL label. Those records are an exciting hybrid crossover collaboration of their own kind. The successful duo toured many nations together.
Novelist was now firmly on the radar and earmarked as an emerging artist to look out for when chosen to be on the BBC’s Sounds Of 2015 list. Still aged just 17, Novelist featured on a track with Chase and Status and together they gave us the famous track ‘Bigger Man Sound’.
At 18, Novelist featured on veteran artist Skepta’s award-winning ‘Konichiwa’ album. The two co-wrote the track titled ‘Lyrics’ and it proved to be a perfect marriage of styles. By now Novelist had some years of performing at festivals under his belt.
“I feel like people can get revelation from art.”
The 2017 Jägermeister Music Awards meant Novelist’s first performance in Russia would take place. His participation led to an extensive write up in the world-famous Rolling Stone Magazine (Russian edition).
Nov has gone on to become a respected 2018 Mercury Prize nominee with his Debut Album Novelist Guy, bedroom produced and mastered at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. In more recent times, Nov has focused on developing his artistry and production, choosing to do fewer collaborations but instead demonstrate the variation of styles from creative influences through his music, expressing greater dimensions to Nov’s sonic colour pallet.
In 2020 Billionaire Boys Club EU SOUNDS presented ‘Quantum Leap’ by Novelist, the second EP release on the EU SOUNDS label. A collector’s edition vinyl recorded, produced and pressed in London, the EP showcases instrumental tracks from the original ‘Quantum Leap’ release plus four new bonus tracks. Presented in a transparent sleeve cover with custom BBC EU / Novelist interior graphics BBC EU galaxy print record sleeve, ‘Quantum Leap’ artwork secondary sleeve, custom blue vinyl pressed and cut in London. All tracks recorded and produced by Novelist. ‘Billionaire Boys’ instrumental is Novelist’s remix to the original Prem (Nov’s older brother) instrumental.
Novelist has graced the covers of both Crack and MIXMAG magazines. He’s also been featured in many publications, most notably: Rolling Stone, Notion, Clash, Idol, Time Out, NME, i-D, The Guardian, The Independent and The Evening Standard.
Joining the likes of Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys for UNICEF’s Blue Vinyl campaign was south London’s very own Novelist and his debut album Novelist Guy. To raise money for the Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF had released 50 limited vinyls of 17 classic and contemporary albums – including Novelist Guy – and each record was pressed in the colour of UNICEF’s blue logo.
Have a listen to Novelist’s music
We’ve put together a playlist including some of our favourite tracks from each of the artists who have lent their names to our rooms. Please have a listen via The Fellowship artists playlist link below…
