Grammy-nominated grime artist Skepta has gone on trial for drug-driving after allegedly testing positive for cannabis during a roadside stop in Buckinghamshire last year, a court has heard.
Joseph Adenuga, 43, who performs under the name Skepta, appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday as his trial commenced. He confirmed his name, date of birth and address before the court heard the details of the case against him. Adenuga has previously pleaded not guilty to the charge of driving with levels of THC — the psychoactive component of cannabis — in excess of the legal limit.
Prosecutor Lucy Curran told the court that Thames Valley Police officer PC Talan O’Neill pulled Adenuga over on London Road in High Wycombe on 14 May 2024, after observing him driving recklessly. Giving evidence, PC O’Neill described seeing Adenuga overtake another vehicle on the outside lane at a speed exceeding the 30mph limit on the road. Upon stopping the vehicle — a Mercedes-Maybach — the officer said he detected a smell of cannabis coming from inside the car.
A roadside drug test was administered at 10.54am. When the result came back positive for THC, Adenuga was arrested and taken to a police station for further testing. The prosecutor confirmed that Adenuga was cooperative and compliant throughout. A charge of drug-driving followed.
The trial continues.
Adenuga is one of the most influential figures in British music, having released his debut album in 2007 before going on to win the Mercury Prize and building a profile that extends well beyond music into fashion, modelling and film. Despite that level of success, he has spoken candidly in recent interviews about his complicated relationship with fame. “I hate being famous,” he told Dazed magazine. “I care about art. I care about making the best song. I don’t care about fame. Really.” He added that he dreams of returning to a more ordinary life, describing celebrity as something he no longer needs.
Skepta comes from a prominent creative family. His brother JME, real name Jamie Adenuga, is a fellow rapper and member of the Boy Better Know collective, while their sister Julie Adenuga is a well-known broadcaster and radio presenter.
