For all the social and economic turmoil the U.K. Has been through these last 12 months, the British music scene, on the other hand, has gone from strength to strength this year. Stormzy’s ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ ushered in a new age of Grime fans, Kate Tempest’s political ‘Let Them Eat Chaos’ has been a call to arms for the disenfranchised worldwide – the list goes on! See the full shortlist below:

alt-j Relaxer

Blossoms Blossoms

Dinosaur Together, As One

Ed Sheeran Divide

Glass Animals How to be a Human Being

J Hus Common Sense

Kate Tempest Let Them Eat Chaos

Loyle Carner Yesterday’s Gone

Sampha Process

Stormzy Gang Signs & Prayer

The Big Moon Love in the 4th Dimension

The xx I See You

 

It is said many times that “tonight they’re all winners”, but last night it truly meant something – each artist in their own way has reshaped the landscape of UK music and set the bar high for those to follow.

There certainly weren’t any losers last night but alas there was a winner! The winner of the Mercury Prize 2017 was Sampha with his debut album entitled, ‘Process’ was universally loved upon its release. Taking to the stage to accept his award he thanked his mother, father and brothers who were an endless support for him throughout his career and life. Closing the night, Sampha sang a heart-wrenching rendition of ‘(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano’, which was all the acceptance speech he needed. It goes without saying that Sampha can sing, but it’s his ability to tell a story and display a vulnerability on stage which earned him his standing ovation and indeed the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize.