He takes home the trophy for his fourth studio album Konnichiwa, despite being up against huge project’s like Radiohead’s A Moon Shaped Pool, Anohni’s Hopelessness and David Bowie’s Blackstar.
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“We just did this for us, but the love is very appreciated”, he said.
The crowd at the Hammersmith Apollo erupted when Skepta’s name was announced as the eventual victor of the prestigious prize by Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker on Thursday night (September 16th).
The Londoner – a star of the edgy, distinctly British hip-hop genre – beat finalists including the late David Bowie.
“All the kids I want you to be free, be strong, you’re right and just do you”.
At a star-studded ceremony in London’s Eventim Apollo, Skepta played “Shutdown” ahead of accepting his award, and ‘Man (Gang)’ after picking up the prize.
Skepta seemed in shocked when he won the Mercury Prize for 2016 but his mum was delighted.
Harriet Gibsone, one of this year’s judges, said: “Skepta is an artist who defines 2016 – a DIY artist whose popularity has crossed into the United States market without losing any of its British roots”.
Jarvis Cocker presented the award to Skepta and said that Bowie would have approved of the panel’s decision.
The Comet Is Coming weren’t happy with the introduction of a public vote to the Mercury Prize last night.
Sure, there are those who would have liked to have seen a posthumous recognition for David Bowie, whose final album Blackstar was shortlisted.
The record is up against albums from artists including Laura Mvula’s The Dreaming and Bat For Lashes’ The Bride.
A Bowie tribute was planned for the ceremony featuring a performance of his track Lazarus by Dexter star Michael C Hall, who is set to launch a Bowie stage production in London next month.
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“We could have never imagined we’d be here nominated amongst some of the people that are nominated today”.
