Costadinos Contostavlos – or Dappy – is a singer-songwriter and rapper best known for being the lead singer of the Camden Town-based trio N-Dubz, along with his cousin Tulisa and their friend Fazer. Proper locals, N-Dubz got together as a bunch of 13 year olds when they were at Haverstock School in Chalk Farm. Dappy appeared on this year’s Celebrity Big Brother.
When were you happiest?
I have great memories growing up in Camden. It’s a fun place to be as a young person – rich in personality and a very diverse crowd. I still like going to the little caff by the tube every time I go to the studio.
Where would you like to live?
I have a small child now so anywhere inner city wouldn’t be my first choice, but I have lots of friends and family in the area so we visit all the time.
What is your favourite sound or smell?
I love the smell of all the Chinese food in the market. Getting a dirty takeaway from there is my guilty pleasure – I think every time you eat one it takes five years off your life.
What is your greatest life achievement?
My children and my music career.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Be patient.
What is your earliest memory?
The ripper Anthony Hardy lived in my block. I was at number 4 Hartland on Royal College Street and he was at number 21 – so that was a bit scary.
How did growing up in Camden influence you?
It’s taught me to be strong and genuine. It’s a beautiful place but there is an underworld. We didn’t have much money so times could be hard for us but we always had dreams to be financially stable. When we worked and we got success, it felt really good.
What makes you unhappy?
Not having enough time in the studio.
More time with my family.
What is your guilty pleasure?
My favourite Greek restaurant right by Camden Koko. There are two opposite each other but I can’t remember their names (on Plender Street, we would imagine he means – Ed).
Who or what do you hate and why?
I hate fake people.
What’s been your best experience?
All experiences are good: some you want to do again, some you don’t.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My tattoos. My favourite one is the one about my dad on my neck [Dappy had ‘RIP Dad’ tattooed when his father died in 2007].
What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
I would not want to shame the person who said it.
What is your most unappealing habit?
I don’t have one.
Tell us a secret.
Which one?
What has your career taught you?
Never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about.
What is your favourite dish and why?
It’s always going to be something Greek.
What did you do today?
I’ve been writing all day.
Describe yourself as an animal.
A panther.
Would you do Big Brother again?
No. I did it to repaint a picture to some people in the media who made me out to be some sort of monster. I wanted to change that perception and I think I did.
