‘British music has shaped me completely’

Singer and songwriter, 26

What book has most inspired you? All about love by bell hooks taught me so much about the nuances of connection and desire; it helped me make sense of the world and embrace my sensitivity. She had such a compassionate and inspired approach to truth-telling that I try to carry with me wherever I go.

What albums or artists have most shaped your sense of self? British music has shaped me completely. In Rainbows by Radiohead taught me to yearn, bend genres and embrace minimalism. Blue Lines and Mezzanine by Massive Attack moulded my taste in drums and song structure. Dummy by Portishead encouraged me to be as vocally naked and unafraid as possible. [The song] Archangel by Burial taught me to embrace the grime and the magic and the grey of London.

What cultural moments have felt most significant to you? Radiohead headlining the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury. Tate Modern opening its programming into the late night. The founding of Notting Hill carnival, and Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre.

If you were PM for the day, what would be your first priority? Protecting and advocating for young people’s health and education.

Which Black historical figure has most influenced you? It would have to be a cluster of figures for their fearlessness, vulnerability and dedication to their crafts: Zadie Smith, Steve McQueen and the painter Donald Rodney.

What political development in the UK has most disappointed or uplifted you? I’ve been most disappointed by the rise in anti-trans rhetoric and discrimination. I’ve been most uplifted by the Arts Everywhere fund and the general commitment to increasing public access to art.

What is most misunderstood between generations? That it’s impossible for generations to truly connect. I think that with some care and attention we could find common ground, grow and truly understand each other.

What is a “good life”? A life full of love, generosity and adventure.

What would you change about your life? Nothing. I feel really lucky and am looking forward to seeing where life takes me.

‘I’m interested in people who refuse to be reduced to a single identity’

Model, actor, author and activist, 39

What book has most inspired you? I really did enjoy the Loud Black Girls anthology. It’s a wonderful constellation of extraordinary voices, contradictions, ambitions and histories. As someone who has spent much of her life moving between different worlds, I’m interested in the people who refuse to be reduced to a single identity.

What albums or artists have most shaped your sense of self? Growing up in Edinburgh, my relationship with identity has always been layered. Music was one of the places where those layers could coexist without requiring an explanation. I have toured the world with artists from Lauryn Hill, the Roots and Skepta to Wu-Tang Clan and Roots Manuva. They have all in different ways challenged the idea that we must make ourselves smaller to fit into the world.

What cultural moments have felt most significant to you? The emergence of grime as a defining British sound. It brought the ingenuity, language and lived realities of young........

© The Guardian