British rapper and actress Little Simz, born Simbiatu Ajikawo, has initiated legal proceedings against her former producer Dean Cover, known professionally as Inflo, alleging failure to repay loans amounting to £1.7 million. The lawsuit, filed in January 2025, claims that these unpaid debts have adversely affected her financial obligations, including tax liabilities.
Details of the Allegations
-
Recording Funds: In late 2022, Ajikawo reportedly advanced Cover two sums—£350,000 and £275,000—to facilitate the production of her third studio album under a deal with Artists Without a Label (AWAL). It was understood that any unutilized funds would be returned. However, a subsequent accounting indicated that recording expenses totaled just under £525,000, suggesting that over £100,000 should have been reimbursed to Ajikawo.
-
Live Performance Loan: On December 1, 2023, Ajikawo allegedly loaned Cover £1 million to support a rare live performance by the music collective Sault at London's Drumsheds, with the expectation of repayment by December 4. The lawsuit asserts that Cover failed to meet this deadline, citing ongoing financial arrangements as the cause for delay.
-
Additional Loans: The filing also mentions two further loans extended to Cover in December 2023, amounting to £500,000 and £200,000, respectively. These sums also remain unpaid, according to Ajikawo.
Impact on Financial Obligations
The accumulation of these unpaid loans has reportedly left Ajikawo unable to fulfill her full tax obligations in January 2024, resulting in accrued interest and additional charges.
Professional Background
Inflo has been a significant collaborator in Ajikawo's career, contributing to her critically acclaimed albums "Grey Area" (2019), "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert" (2021), and "NO THANK YOU" (2022). Beyond his work with Little Simz, Inflo has produced for notable artists such as Adele, Michael Kiwanuka, and his wife, soul singer Cleo Sol.
Upcoming Projects
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, Little Simz is scheduled to release her sixth studio album, "Lotus," on May 9, 2025. Additionally, she is set to curate the Meltdown festival at London's Southbank Centre in June 2025.