Solo 45: Grime MC charged with 29 counts of rape

Member of grime collective Boy Better Know is set to go on trial next year as police urge witnesses to come forward

Solo 45, centre, performs at Red Bull Culture Clash at the O2 Arena on June 17, 2016 in London (Getty/Red Bull)

Grime MC Solo 45 has been charged with 29 counts of rape.

The member of grime collective Boy Better Know, whose real name is Andy Anoyke, had earlier been charged with two counts of rape, one count of false imprisonment and one of actual bodily harm, which related to one victim.

He has now been charged with a further 27 counts of rape after three more people made allegations against him.

Anokye, 31, pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges at Bristol Crown Court.

He was due to stand trial on 18 October, however the court date was adjourned due to the additional charges. He will now stand trial on 16 April 2018.

A statement from the Avon and Somerset Police said: "Detectives are still keen to speak to anyone who may be able to offer information which may assist an ongoing investigation concerning Mr Anokye.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Ryan Matthews in investigations on 101 quoting reference 5217082649."

BBK co-founder Jme appeared to comment on the allegations on Twitter.

While he did not refer to Solo 45 by name, he posted several tweets about "29 counts" and called the charges "totally shocking".

"I just hope it's not true," he wrote, and commented on the apparent quiet of the music scene over the allegations: "Some people will speak up immediately as news hits, some will wait for a verdict. I think that's why 'the scene' has been quiet on the issue."

The Daily Mail was criticised for running a headline that said Solo 45 had worked with grime MC Stormzy.

Stormzy, who is not a member of BBK, was named in the headline while Solo 45 was not. The original headline, which has since been changed, said: "Boy Better Know star who worked with Stormzy is accused of 29 rapes."

The artist tweeted in apparent response to the headline: "Everyone at the Daily Mail can suck their mum's as well from the CEO to the receptionist."

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