LABRINTH
Songwriter • Singer • Producer
Songwriter and producer Labrinth made the music scene quake in 2010, sending shockwaves through the music industry with his undeniable talent that would go on to top the charts.
Labrinth, whose real name is Timothy Lee McKenzie, was born and bred in Hackney. Surrounded by music growing up in a large Jamaican family with eight siblings, music was more than a hobby; it was a way of life that nourished and grounded him. As a young boy, he attended Stoke Newington School alongside his older brother Mac, a producer who introduced 15-year-old Timothy to music production. The brothers bonded over experimenting in Mac’s studio, where Timothy also taught himself to play several instruments.
Why Hackney Matters
A Hackney native, Labrinth began developing his musical talents within his local community and family. As a young person, he continued to hone his craft at Hackney’s Rising Tide, a youth-led arts charity and social hub providing free access to music facilities and industry mentorship. His journey from experimenting with music in Hackney to becoming a global star reflects the borough’s tradition of nurturing ambitious and innovative musical voices and the lasting cultural impact of its local talent.
Did You Know?
Labrinth wrote his first solo single, Let the Sun Shine, in his bedroom while his brother was sleeping in the bunk bed they shared. The song became his first solo UK Top 10 hit, reaching number three in 2010.