Skepta has won the 2016 Mercury Prize for ‘Konnichiwa‘.
The grime artist and producer has triumphed with his fourth album which was a number two hit in the UK after release in May.
The ceremony was held at the Eventim Apollo in London, where tributes were paid to David Bowie – who had been the clear bookies favourite – in the form of a performance from the cast of the Lazarus musical, led by Michael C Hall and Henry Hey.
The original shortlist was whittled down to a final six on the night; these included Michael Kiwanuka and his glorious second record ‘Love & Hate‘, The 1975 via public vote and Radiohead, who missed out for a fifth time after ‘A Moon Shaped Pool‘ followed the nominations and overlooks of ‘OK Computer‘ (1997), ‘Amnesiac‘ (2001), ‘Hail To The Thief‘ (2003) and ‘In Rainbows‘ (2008).
So glad to see hip hop gradually more acceptable in the mainstream. Some people misconstrue the message. It is about real artistry from nothing to escape poverty from disparity.
Gangsta or gangsto. It is about people not fucking with you in order that one’s family can keep living.
Trust me on that one. It is.
Ask Tupac, Biggie, Suge Knight and Puff.