Skepta wins Mercury Prize 2016
Skepta has won this year's Mercury Prize, beating competition from David Bowie, Anohni, and The 1975 in the process.
Ahead of the ceremony, Bowie was in the driving seat - at least according to bookmakers - with Skepta following close behind.
In our 9/10 review, we said of Konnichiwa:
"Skepta has released Konnichiwa at a time when grime is still raw and heavily political. Whether or not grime loses its threat in the near future,Konnichiwa will still stand tall as a hard-hitting soundtrack to unfulfilling life in cruel Britain that's achieved by giving a microphone to voices that otherwise wouldn't have been heard."
This year, a 12-artist shortlist was unveiled as part of a launch event live on BBC 6 Music. Fans and followers voted online to select the first of six finalists, with the remaining five finalists (and overall winner) picked by an panel of expert judges. The shorter shortlist featured Laura Mvula, Radiohead, David Bowie, Skepta, Michael Kiwanuka, and The 1975 - the latter scooped the public nom.
Jessie Ware, Clara Amfo, Jarvis Cocker, Kate Tempest, and Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice were among this year's Mercury judges.
The Hyundai Mercury Prize 2016 saw live performances all night, with actor Michael C. Hall (Dexter, Six Feet Under) will paying tribute to Bowie with a performance of "Lazarus".
The 2015 Mercury Prize was won by Benjamin Clementine for his debut album At Least For Now.
Find out more about the Mercury Prize.
Mercury Prize 2016 Nominees
- ANOHNI - Hopelessness
- Bat For Lashes - The Bride
- David Bowie - Blackstar
- Jamie Woon - Making Time
- Kano - Made In The Manor
- Laura Mvula - The Dreaming Room
- Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate
- Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
- Savages - Adore Life
- Skepta - Konnichiwa
- The 1975 - I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful and so unaware of it
- The Comet Is Coming - Channel The Spirits
- Mahalia shares self-love anthem, “Life Size”
- Jake Isaac announces new album, BENJAMIN
- BABii announces third album, DareDeviil2000
- Poppy Ajudha sings of queer love on "Girl Next Door"
- Jack White announced as new headliner for Øya Festival 2024
- Watch the official trailer for blur: Live at Wembley Stadium
- Gwen Stefani and Anderson .Paak link up for official song of the Olympics, "Hello World"
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