Little Simz reveals she missed out on Black Panther role

British musician Little Simz has revealed she auditioned for the Black Panther role of the princess of Wakanda.

The London-born artist, 23, missed out on starring as the superhero’s younger sister, Shuri, in the smash-hit film to her friend Letitia Wright.

However, Little Simz, real name Simbi Ajikawo, who has previously appeared in E4’s Youngers, said it worked out for the best as the film was in production during her world tour with Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz.

She told the Press Association: “I auditioned for it and obviously I didn’t get it. My friend Letita got it, which is still a win for me.

“It all worked out because the time they were shooting I ended up booking the Gorillaz tour.”

The rapper, singer and actor called the tour the most challenging experience of her career, adding: “I wouldn’t have rather been doing anything else.”

She also called on female artists to “create our own opportunities” in the wake of controversy around a lack of women at music festivals.

A number of stars have hit out at Wireless festival for naming just three female performers at the three-day event, headlined by J Cole, Stormzy and DJ Khaled.

“We know how things go in this country by now at this point,” she said, adding the majority of performers at her own event at the Roundhouse in London next month were “beautiful talented women of colour”.

“I’m not saying to keep quiet about it and not speak up about it but then let’s do our own thing,” she said.

“I don’t like to complain about things and I don’t like to talk … I’d just rather do it,” she added.

– Tickets to Little Simz’s Welcome To The Wonderland at The Roundhouse are on sale now.