Last night’s announcement of the winner of the Mercury Prize for UK / Ireland album of the year went deservingly to Skepta for his grime rejuvenating album Konnichiwa. Even better, it was released independently on Boy Better Know, the label he started with his brother JME.
As you can see, Skepta was overcome with emotion when it was announced, as his crew celebrated around him. He brought his parents up with him on stage. It was great to see a genuinely shocked, appreciative and humble winner.
His ma had a great time:
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WE LOVE MRS ADENUGA 😍 (cc: @claraamfo) #MercuryPrize pic.twitter.com/VPeroujBi4
— BBC Music (@bbcmusic) September 15, 2016
Konnichiwa was my album of the week in May.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPABpc6v7vc
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
