ENNY’s Musical Journey: From UK Garage to Global Stages

In the bustling music landscape where artists often rush to capitalize on trends, ENNY stands apart with her thoughtful approach to creativity and authenticity. “The older I get, and the more experience I have with music, I feel like I have more of an understanding of how music is such a strong feeling, it’s more than just a song,” the 31-year-old UK artist told Newsweek. This profound connection to music began in her childhood home, where her father’s passion for sound became her inheritance. “I attribute a lot of it to my dad. He was in love with music, and I think I just collected that gene,” she reflects. Even today, she vividly remembers her first emotional musical experience—hearing the 1999 UK garage classic “Sweet Like Chocolate” by Shanks & Bigfoot. That moment crystallized something for young ENNY, creating an imprint that would shape her future path. The London-born artist, who broke through with her 2020 hit “Peng Black Girls,” carries those early influences in her work today, blending nostalgic elements with contemporary expression in a way that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

While UK garage may have introduced ENNY to music’s emotional power, it was the grime scene that truly shaped her as an artist. She describes the genre as both “very aggressive” and “very community-orientated,” a seemingly contradictory combination that inspired her distinctive approach to lyricism. Tracks like Lethal Bizzle’s 2011 posse cut “Pow,” featuring grime heavyweights like P Money, Ghetts, Kano, and Wiley, set a standard that pushed ENNY to sharpen her pen. “You’ve got to come with your hardest bars to show what you can do. I think just like the pressure inspired me,” she explains. This foundation in grime’s competitive lyricism gave her the technical skills that now underpin her more melodic delivery. She characterizes her style as “spoken wordy” with a “grime foundation writing-wise,” but notes how she’s evolved to incorporate soul, jazz, and hip-hop elements. This fusion creates a sound that respects its roots while refusing to be confined by genre expectations. ENNY’s artistic vision extends beyond music alone—having studied film and theater, she frequently directs her own videos, bringing an additional layer of storytelling to her work.

Collaboration stands at the heart of ENNY’s creative process. Despite her multidisciplinary talents, she’s quick to emphasize that “it’s not a one-man show,” ensuring that every contributor receives proper recognition. A scroll through her social media reveals meticulous crediting for everyone involved in her projects, from videographers to stylists. This commitment to acknowledging the collective effort behind her art reflects a broader philosophy of community and connection. Her creative approach has evolved from the spontaneous freestyling of her early days to something more deliberate and patient. “I’d write something and then maybe come back six months later and finish it. It’s taken a year to finish one song because I’m writing it in two years,” she explains with a laugh. This willingness to let ideas simmer and develop organically contrasts sharply with the industry’s often relentless demand for constant content. By refusing to rush her process, ENNY ensures that each release represents her authentic voice and vision.

In a world increasingly defined by heaviness—political turmoil, social injustice, and constant information overload—ENNY recognizes the need for balance in her music. Her recent track “Selfridges” exemplifies this approach, offering listeners a moment of lightness and escapism. “If music is heavy and life is heavy, you just need a moment of escapism,” she explains. “Sometimes I just need to enjoy music without someone’s perspective.” What began as a post-session jam initially gave her pause—would it be perceived as too mainstream? But as global circumstances grew more challenging, she embraced the track’s carefree spirit. With playful references to Dragon Ball transformations alongside relatable lines about window-shopping at the famous London department store, “Selfridges” showcases ENNY’s ability to create music that feels both effortless and thoughtfully crafted. The south-east London artist makes a powerful statement when she declares, “I don’t want to be oppressed in reality and in music,” asserting her right to create work that brings joy even amid difficult times.

ENNY offers a nuanced perspective on the current state of hip-hop and rap in the music industry. While some claimed 2025 was underwhelming for the genres commercially, she rejects simplistic narratives about their decline. Instead, she points to broader societal forces at work, particularly capitalism’s influence on how art is valued and promoted. “Everything just reverts back to capitalism,” she observes, noting how financial incentives can overshadow artistic merit across creative fields. The streaming economy has fundamentally altered artists’ priorities, sometimes privileging algorithms over artistry. Yet ENNY sees potential for positive change in this disruption—a necessary recalibration that might ultimately refocus the industry on rewarding genuine skill and passion. “You reward people for being good at what they’re doing,” she asserts, advocating for a system that values craft over mere commerciality.

As her career continues to expand, ENNY recently experienced the thrill of connecting with international audiences during her first North American tour dates alongside Jorja Smith. “It’s really cool when you go to a different country, and you’re able to see, ‘oh, wow, they really mess with me, they really know the songs, and they’re not afraid to show love,'” she shares with genuine appreciation. This growing global recognition comes at a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution. With recent releases like “Cabin Fever,” “Selfridges,” and “What a Waste,” and hints of more projects on the horizon, ENNY has reached a liberating realization: “I have nothing to prove and nothing to lose.” This newfound freedom represents uncharted territory for the thoughtful artist, who seems poised to embrace this creative independence fully. As she continues to navigate the music industry on her own terms, ENNY’s commitment to authentic expression and artistic integrity suggests that her most compelling work may still lie ahead—crafted with the same patience, passion, and purpose that has defined her journey thus far.