From “Peng Black Girls” to “Selfridges”: The Rise of Rapper Enny

Eniola Akinbo, professionally known as Enny, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and creative force celebrated for her sharp lyricism, confident delivery, and genre-bending sound that blends hip-hop, rap, and alternative influences. Born on the 9th of  December 1994 and raised in Thamesmead, South East London,  Enny has emerged as one of the most compelling voices of Nigeria’s new-school rap movement, carving a distinct identity in a space traditionally dominated by male artists. She is widely recognized for her fearless storytelling, introspective songwriting, and unapologetic self-expression, which have earned her both critical acclaim and a rapidly growing fan base within and beyond London. Enny’s early life was shaped by a strong exposure to music, creativity, and urban culture. Growing up in London, she was immersed in a diverse soundscape that included hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and alternative music, influences that would later inform her unique artistic style. From a young age, she showed a natural inclination toward writing and self-expression, often using music as an outlet to articulate her thoughts, emotions, and observations about life. This early connection to storytelling laid the foundation for her career as a rapper, as she developed a distinctive voice rooted in authenticity, confidence, and emotional honesty. Enny is known to maintain a level of privacy, choosing to let her music speak more loudly than her personal affairs. She is widely regarded as introspective, grounded, and deeply intentional about her craft, often emphasizing self-growth, mental clarity, and creative freedom. Through her artistry, she continues to push boundaries, amplify marginalized voices, and contribute meaningfully to the evolution of contemporary African music, positioning herself as not just a rapper, but a powerful voice within and outside Nigeria’s cultural landscape.

Four: He’s Not Into You

“He’s Not Into You,” released in 2020, was Enny’s debut single and the record that formally introduced her to the music scene. The song is built around a clear and relatable message, as Enny delivers honest advice to women about recognizing emotional unavailability and avoiding situations where effort is not being returned. Using calm but confident lyricism, she addresses themes of self-respect, emotional awareness, and modern dating realities, presenting the message in a conversational and reflective tone. It has garnered over 611K views on its official music video on YouTube. The production is minimal, allowing her lyrics, steady flow, and clarity of expression to stand out without distraction. Upon its release, the track quickly gained attention online, especially across social media platforms, where listeners praised its honesty, simplicity, and relatability. The song resonated strongly with young audiences and helped Enny build early recognition within hip-hop and alternative music spaces, earning her praise from music critics, tastemakers, and digital communities. “He’s Not Into You” played a key role in establishing Enny’s artistic identity as a thoughtful and self-aware rapper, setting the foundation for her later success and positioning her as a voice of clarity and confidence in contemporary music.

FYI

  • Her personal philosophy centers on authenticity, self-belief, and staying true to one’s values despite external pressure, themes that consistently appear in her music. Beyond music, Enny is also recognized as a cultural tastemaker and style icon, admired for her bold fashion choices and confident public persona, which further reinforce her image as a modern, multifaceted creative.

Three: Peng Black Girls” (Remix) ft. Jorja Smith

“Peng Black Girls (Remix)” featuring Jorja Smith is an enhanced version of Enny’s breakout 2020 single originally released with Amia Brave, and it became a defining moment in her career as an artist known for honest and uplifting storytelling. The song celebrates the beauty, diversity, and strength of Black women by rejecting narrow beauty standards and affirming that women of all skin tones, hairstyles, and body types are worthy of recognition and admiration, a message that resonated widely with listeners. It has garnered 43M streams on spotify and over 34M views on YouTube. Enny’s relaxed but confident rap delivery paints vivid portraits of real women from her community, When Jorja Smith joined the remix, bringing her smooth vocals and her own verse, the track reached a significantly larger audience, sparking conversations about representation and identity in music and culture. The accompanying performances, including a notable session for COLORS, further elevated the song’s visibility and helped it become not just a personal anthem for many listeners but also a widely shared moment of pride and affirmation for Black women. Through this remix, Enny strengthened her artistic identity and built momentum that contributed to her recognition as a rising voice in contemporary hip-hop and storytelling.

Two: Selfridges

“Selfridges,” released on 10 November 2025, is Enny’s most recent single and marks her return to music after an intense period of touring and creative exploration. The track blends jazzy, soulful production with her relaxed yet sharp delivery, capturing her signature blend of humour, reflection, and warmth while touching on everyday frustrations, mental space, and personal reflection wrapped in relatable storytelling. Garnering over 580K streams on spotify and over 405K views on its official music video on YouTube, Enny’s clever lyricism and candid lines convey both self-awareness and lighthearted wit, highlighting her confidence and artistic maturity as she navigates themes of patience, purpose, and emotional nuance. The accompanying music video, co-directed by Enny and Ivor Lawson-Adamah, builds on a creative narrative where she and social media personality Face In The News play characters running a fictional cleaning company, infusing the visual with playful storytelling that deepens the song’s personality and charm. Upon release, the song was welcomed warmly by listeners and critics alike, reinforcing her reputation as a distinctive voice with a refreshing approach to contemporary hip-hop and solidifying her presence after her North American tour with Jorja Smith. “Selfridges” stands as a vibrant expression of Enny’s evolving artistry, showcasing her ability to write with both depth and joy and strengthening her connection with audiences around the world.

Awards/Nominations

  • Since emerging as a distinctive voice in contemporary music, Enny has earned notable recognition for her work. In 2021, her breakout single “Peng Black Girls” earned her two nominations at the MOBO Awards, in the categories of Best Newcomer and Song of the Year, highlighting her early impact and the cultural resonance of the track. Additionally, her music video for the same song was shortlisted at the 2021 UK Music Video Awards for Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Video – Newcomer, reflecting industry acknowledgment of her creativity and visual storytelling. These recognitions helped solidify Enny’s reputation as a talented and thoughtful artist, marking key milestones in her career and establishing her as a rising voice in the UK hip-hop and alternative music scenes.

Discography

  • Under Twenty Five (2021)
  • We Go Again (2023)

One: Charge It

“Charge It” is one of Enny’s standout tracks, originally released on 13 April 2023 as part of her six‑song collection We Go Again, a body of work she described as a “care package”. Enny uses the phrase “charge it to the game” as a metaphor for accepting setbacks and turning challenging or painful experiences into lessons that strengthen resolve and self‑confidence. It has garnered over 53M streams on spotify and over 11M views on its official music video on YouTube. She navigates themes of resilience, emotional complexity, and self‑empowerment, capturing both the vulnerability and strength involved in personal and relational struggles. This song has resonated widely, becoming her most‑streamed song on platforms like Spotify with tens of millions of plays — a strong indicator of its popularity and connection with listeners. Its success has helped solidify Enny’s presence in the music landscape, building on her reputation for authentic storytelling and relatable themes that appeal to a broad audience. The song’s reach has also been extended through a remix featuring American rapper Smino, which offers a fresh collaborative take and broadens the song’s appeal even further.