Artist News Legal

Boy Better Know’s Solo 45 charged with 29 counts of rape

By Andy Malt | Published on Thursday 19 October 2017

Boy Better Know member Solo 45 has been charged with 29 counts of rape against four women, Avon & Somerset Police have revealed.

The rapper, real name Andy Anokye, who lives in Bristol, was originally charged with two counts of raping a woman, as well as one count of false imprisonment and another of causing actual bodily harm, back in July.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and a trial was due to begin yesterday. However, as three further alleged victims have now come forward, an additional 27 rape charges have been added and the trial has been adjourned until April next year.

“Detectives are still keen to speak to anyone who may be able to offer information which may assist an on-going investigation concerning Mr Anokye”, said police in a statement.

Following accusations that the Boy Better Know collective and the grime scene at large were not commenting on the case, BBK co-founder JME said on Twitter yesterday: “I didn’t want to speak until the case was over, and verdict reached, as I have no idea what the intricacies are, who the victims are etc. But this is mad. 29 charges fam. Early to pass judgement but yeah. I just hope it’s not true man”.

He continued: “Everyone saying ‘people are being silent’, it’s because they are waiting for a verdict before passing judgement. The charges are crazy. Some people will speak up immediately as news hits, some will wait for a verdict. That’s why I think ‘the scene’ has been quiet on the issue. Some people will say ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and some people will say ’29 charges! There’s no way that he’s totally innocent’. But yeah, that’s some fucked up shit fam. Full stop”.

Anokye is now due to appear at Bristol Crown Court on 16 Apr.