Speech Debelle is leaving south London over traffic problems

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The 26-year-old rapper, who pocketed the £20,000 prize last week, was once homeless on the mean streets south of the river - but today announced she's heading north.

Relocate: Speech Debelle is moving to north London

She said she was 'sick and tired' of the traffic and parking problems in south London and that she couldn't drive faster than 20mph because of the congestion.

"Its a real nightmare to drive round here, and don't even talk to me about parking. "At least in North London I can get above 20mph."

The south London singer, who was born in Crystal Palace and was living at her mum's house in Streatham when she won the award, said she would 'keep her feet on the ground' after the 'big move'.

"Nothing has really changed. I will still always be about the music. I think the album deserved to win."

Miss Debelle, real name Corynne Elliot, was transformed overnight from a little known artist selling less than 3,000 copies of her debut album, Speech Therapy, to an overnight sensation when she won the prestigious award.

The singer said her album's lyrics were inspired by the time she spent homeless on the streets of south London.

She added: "I have always wanted to broaden my horizons."