Little Simz has won the Mercury Prize 2022 for the Album of the Year.
The 28-year-old rapper took home the prestigious music award at a glitzy ceremony in London on Tuesday night (October 18) which had to be rescheduled last month following the Queen’s death.
Little Simz saw off competition from 11 other artists, including the likes of Harry Styles, Sam Fender, Self Esteem and Wet Leg.
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The artist, whose real name is Simbiatu “Simbi” Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, took home a whopping cash prize of £25,000 as well as the trophy.
(Image: PA)
The singer admitted she was “overwhelmed” as she picked up the award, which comes after she won Best Newcomer at the Brit Awards last year.
Little Simz won the award for her fourth album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, a hip-hop record that tells a coming-of-age story.
The Introvert singer was picked from the shortlist by a panel of independent judges after an independent panel chose the shortlist.
(Image: PA)
Choosing the shortlist and winner this year was a star-studded line-up of Annie Mac, Jamie Cullum, Anna Calvi, Danielle Perry, Hazel Wilde, Gemma Cairney, Michael Kiwanuka, Jeff Smith, Mike Walsh, Phil Alexander, Tshepo Mokoena, Will Hodgkinson and Jeff Smith.
In 2019, Little Simz was nominated for the Mercury for her latest LP, Grey Area, which was released the same year.
(Image: James Veysey/REX/Shutterstock)
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert rose to number four in the UK album chart when it was released last year.
The rapper is the 31st winner of the Mercury and succeeds indie singer-songwriter Arlo Parks, who won the award last year.
Harry Styles made the shortlist with his third studio album, Harry’s House, but did not attend the ceremony as he is currently touring the US.
(Image: Getty Images)
The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place on September 8 but was cancelled out of respect for the Queen as news that she died came on the same day.
Mercury prize organisers told the Mirror: “Tonight’s Mercury Prize event has been postponed at this time of great national sorrow. We know everyone involved in the Mercury Prize will understand.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family at this very difficult time. We will make an announcement regarding future arrangements as soon as we are able.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
