Warner Records U.K. rapper Pa Salieu, whose debut mixtape, Send them to Coventry, arrived last year, has been deemed the BBC Music Sound of 2021.

Salieu was born in Slough and spent his formative years in Gambia before moving to Coventry at the age of eight. His new home was the inspiration for the breakout track “Frontline” and his debut mixtape. Managed by September Management, he has enjoyed widespread support at BBC Radio 1Xtra and Radio 1. He’s set to play a string of U.K. dates in May, including a show at London’s 700-capacity Village Underground.

BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, who has supported Salieu on her show, said: “As a man whose childhood was split between Gambia and Coventry, he has a unique perspective on Britain. His songs are exquisitely produced, with enough restraint for Pa’s voice to shine through, and have the space to tell the stories of his life. They are stories of friendship and family, of violence, exclusion and racism and they act as timeless evidence of British street life at the turn of a new decade.”

Pa Salieu was selected by a panel of 160 industry experts and alumni artists including Billie Eilish, Stormzy, Jorja Smith, Wolf Alice, AJ Tracey, YUNGBLUD, Foals and Charli XCX.

Singer/songwriter Holly Humberstone (managed by Closer Artists and releasing via Platoon) takes second place on the BBC list of artists to watch this year, followed by rapper/singer and Sony Music U.K. signing BERWYN. EMI act Greentea Peng is fourth, followed by Warner Records’ singer/songwriter/producer GRIFF.