Grime artist Solo 45 ‘raped and imprisoned four women’

A rapper described as “a violent and controlling narcissist and a bully” imprisoned and repeatedly raped four young women, a court has heard.

Andy Anokye, 32, who performs as Solo 45, denies 31 charges against him.

They include 22 allegations of rape, five counts of false imprisonment, two of assault by penetration and two of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Christopher Quinlan told Bristol Crown Court the grime artist filmed some of his actions.

“Each suffered in similar ways at different times at the defendant’s hands,” he added.

Mr Quinlan said the abuse took place over a two-year period. One of the women reported the abuse to friends and then to police, he said.

‘Pain and suffering’

Mr Anokye was arrested and his mobile phone and laptop were seized by officers, who contacted three other women.

Mr Quinlan said the musician had filmed “a great deal of what he did” on his phone.

“He physically assaulted and falsely imprisoned them, held them against their will and he raped each of them repeatedly,” he told the court.

“He is a violent and controlling narcissist and a bully. He is a sadist who derives satisfaction and sexual pleasure from inflicting pain and suffering on his victims.”

Mr Quinlan said Mr Anokye, of Millennium Promenade, Bristol, will claim that any sexual activity between him and the women was consensual.

Judge William Hart told jurors the defendant was a member of the grime collective, Boy Better Know.

‘Skepta and Stormzy’

Mr Quinlan added Mr Anokye became known to each of the complainants through their “knowledge and taste” for grime music.

He described the genre to the jury as “dance music influenced by garage music”.

“Artists of that genre include Skepta and Stormzy,” he said.

“Neither has anything to do with this case but you may hear reference to either or both of them during the evidence.”

The jury of five men and seven women have been told they will view some of the recordings made by Anokye.

“You may find it both unpleasant and upsetting,” Mr Quinlan said.

“It is important evidence. We promise you that to show it is not gratuitous but necessary.”

The case continues.