Residents, Person of the Year is the person who has had the greatest impact throughout 2024! This could be a hero or a villain, from Dj AG's rise to prominence to Kemi Badenoch's rise to the top of Conservative leadership, we think the following selection are leading contenders for TSB’s Person of the Year.

1) Dj AG

Coming in at the top of our list is Dj AG, real name Ashley Gordon, who has literally taken music back to the streets this year! His very simple but effective set-up, includes decks, a mixer and some cameras that he has set up in Wood Green, outside Brixton tube station and on a King’s Cross corner. 

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AG has created a platform for both emerging talent and renowned artists to share music authentically. His seemingly impromptu sets have drawn in prominent British musicians, includin Idris Elba, Skepta, JME and Ambush.

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2) Stormzy

Superstar Stormzy is no stranger to making an impact. The influential rapper has shown his generosity many times throughout his career, from donating £500,000 to scholarship funds for disadvantaged students to attending a fan's funeral in support of her family. This year Stormzy opened a new football centre called Merky FC in Croydon, in his hometown. The facility also includes a recording studio and a gaming hub.

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3) Tyla

There's no denying that South African born popiano star Tyla has had a life changing year for her career. But the impact she had on South African music and African music in general is equally undeniable. The 22-year-old became the top Afrobeats singer at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, beating Nigerian heavyweights like Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Asake. She even snagged an iconic Grammy for the genre, taking home the Grammy for Best African Music Performance for her breakthrough single ‘Water’. 

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4) Fuse ODG

Another Grammy award winner on the list is Fuse ODG. Fuse has always pushed his love for Ghana and his desire for African prosperity just as much as his music. So much so that I once heard him be dubbed the ”UK’s Akon”! This year, Fuse launched 'School Of New Africa', (SONA) - a groundbreaking educational gaming platform designed to teach African history and languages while promoting financial literacy through an innovative in-game rewards system.

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5) Cee Chyna

Rising UK drill rapper Ceechynaa, real name Chelsea Odosamamwen Ode, has certainly made a name for herself this year with her viral hit single, "Peggy." Celebrities such as Cardi B have featured her song in their social media videos and in January 2024 Vogue dubbed her “The UK’s most exciting female rapper”.

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6) Skepta

A year rarely passes where Skepta doesn’t do something to wow the masses. Whether through music, movie-making, production or fashion, Skepta uses every year to remind us why he is one of the cultures founding fathers. This year his MAINS London label stole the show at London Fashion Week and launched a pop-up installation in Central London. The latest collection was shot in the streets of Lagos, with Skepta streetcasting in his hometown.

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7) Kemi Badenoch

Love her, hate her or prefer to pretend she doesn’t exist, this year Kemi Badenoch left the country with no choice but to feel her impact. Whilst her views and comments often engender more problems than they solve, there’s no denying her achievements! In November, Kemi became the Conservative Party leader making her not only the first black person to hold the office but also the first black leader of any major UK political party. 

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What do you think Residents, who left the greatest impact on you this year? 

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