“It’s a Marathon, Not a Race” – Skeete On His Rise To The Top 

Skeete, a Nottingham-born artist with Caribbean roots, has emerged as a defining voice in the UK music scene, seamlessly blending R&B, soul, dancehall, and Afrobeats with a versatility that captivates listeners. His breakout single “Weekdays (She Freaky, She Sneaky)” racked up over 20 million streams as an independent artist, while his 2023 EP Vibes Don’t Lie showcased his ability to craft both soulful ballads and vibrant, dancefloor-ready tracks.

Drawing on his heritage, songs like “Tek Buddy,” paired with a bold music video directed by Jack Stangaard, reflect his knack for authentic, evocative storytelling. Since starting his musical journey in 2017 with online covers, Skeete has grown from a local talent to a global force, recently earning a spot on Spotify’s 2025 Artists to Watch list for his genre-defying sound and streaming dominance.

Following the release of his latest project, Excuse My Language, which dropped last month, he continues to solidify his place as one of the UK’s most exciting R&B talents. In this candid interview, Skeete reflects the organic evolution of his distinctive sound and his commitment to staying true to himself in an ever changing  industry. 

How did you get into music, and what was it like growing up with it?

Music’s been in me since I was a kid. Started with drums, tagging along to my brother’s lessons and banging on the kit after. We played at church, school, wherever, you know? My siblings were into singing, so it was always around. I was a footballer most of my life, though. Didn’t get into music proper until 16, 17, when I quit football.

Life got heavy, and music became my outlet. Started recording covers, sent ‘em to my siblings, and one day my sister posted one on the Gram. Got mad comments, pushed me to keep going. By 2017, I was writing my own stuff, hitting the studio, hungry to make something better for myself.

What were you listening to growing up, and how’s it shaped your sound?

Listened to everything. Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation, Chris Brown, old-school R&B, hip-hop from Step Up or Stomp the Yard. I was a dancer too, so anything with a vibe. Then Afroswing, Afrobeats, reggae, house—I’m an old soul at 26, you know? That R&B feel creeps into my tunes, but my music don’t sound like what I grew up on. It’s like I took all those vibes and made my own thing, you know what I’m trying to say?

How’d you find your personal sound, and you sticking with it or switching it up?

Trial and error, you know. Started with covers, practicing runs, belting big notes. Back then, I was proper singing, but now I go softer, smoother. Feels better, sounds better, and people vibe with the tone. Wasn’t planned—it just happened over time. I’ll probably keep this sound, but I wanna switch up what I sing about. Done a lot of vulgar stuff that popped off, but I’m trying to get into deeper topics, maybe some lovey-dovey R&B again. Fans might want one thing, but I got more to me.

You’ve worked with a few artists. What do you look for in a collaborator?

Chemistry’s everything. I don’t do loads of features ‘cause it’s gotta feel right. Early ones were with mates, then I did rap stuff with M1 and Muggs to show I can switch it up. Had people hit me up, but I don’t rush it. Music’s gotta make sense, not just be music. Next year, I’m down for more collabs, especially with new talent, but it’s all about that vibe, you know what I’m saying?

You’re moving to heavier, vulnerable topics. Is that harder for you?

Nah, it ain’t hard. It’s just life. My new tape’s got vulnerable tracks—maybe 60% of it. Started with that raw R&B vibe, so it’s not new, but the vulgar stuff got me through the door. Always mixed both, and my best sessions come from real shit I’ve been through. Fans might know me for the fun tracks, but I’m ready to show more sides. That’s what makes good music, you know?

How important are live performances to you, and you enjoy them?

They’re important to connect with fans, but it’s not my favorite thing. I’m laid-back, so being on stage took getting used to. When the crowd’s live, like this Leicester show I did, it’s sick. But some gigs, I’m not feeling it. Told my team—one guy, really—I don’t wanna do too many shows now. Had a good run with Vibes Don’t Lie, but I’m picky. Want the right stages, like my headline show coming up. That’s the goal since 2017, you know?

What have you learned about yourself and the music industry since starting?

It’s a marathon, not a race. Industry’s changed—2017 was about music; now it’s content, being out there. I’m not that outgoing, so it’s tough, but I’m learning I gotta do more than I thought. Used to get down about “underrated” talk, but I’m past that. Scene’s shifting, can feel like it’s pushing me out, but I won’t let it. Started at 17, I’m 26 now, feels like forever, but it’s all positive. Artists go through it, especially when you just wanna be you.

How do you stay authentic in an industry that’s so saturated and content-heavy?

I keep it organic. Everything I’ve done’s been natural—no big team, no strings pulled. Tried vlogging, but it don’t always feel like me, and I don’t see mad results. Not every artist needs to do that, you know? I’ll try some content, but it’s gotta be real, show my personality without faking it. Fans should see the real me, not some forced shit.

How involved are you with visuals, like music videos and cover art?

That’s my favorite part, proper speaking. Been going at it with my mate for months, bouncing ideas. He said it’s a breath of fresh air ‘cause I’m a creative. Last year was tough getting a deal, but we went crazy with Day Dun, Don dada, S.P.Y. Them first two videos didn’t do what we wanted, but they’ll have their day. Shot some of my favorite stuff recently.. We did a Caution trailer in New York, I co-directed it, going for American nostalgia, like Hair shop vibes. Love getting on camera, showing off, you know what I’m saying? Still got bigger, better videos coming.

What’s next for you, especially with the new tape?

Excuse My Language dropped last month, been a long time coming, man. Got hitters, some dark tracks, a few vulnerable ones. Some songs are from 2023, Jamaica and America sessions, so it’s big to share ‘em. Ain’t my best work, but I’m gassed to give it to the people. After this, I’ll push it, do the headline show, then drop more music soon. Big up Mixtape Madness—they put my first track, No Way, on YouTube in 2017. More’s coming, we’re taking over.