Little Simz has won the 2022 Mercury Prize in a glittering ceremony held on Tuesday October 18, which was rescheduled following the death of the Queen last month.
The 28-year-old artist was given the coveted award – beating 11 other artists and albums to the gong and received the Album of the Year trophy along with a cash prize of £25,000.
The artist, who's real name is Simbiatu "Simbi" Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, said she was "overwhelmed" as she accepted the gong.
It is the second time the artist has made the Mercury Prize shortlist – as she had previously been nominated for the gong in 2019 for her album Grey Area.
As she accepted the award, the rapper and singer said: "A huge thank you to my team Forever Living Originals, you already know.
"I wanna say thank you to the fans."
The music star then recognised the other nominees as she was met by cheers from the audience.
The Introvert singer was selected from the shortlist by a panel of independent judges – with an independent panel also choosing the shortlist, too.
A selection of music experts from a mixture of backgrounds make up the judging panel, which include musicians, music journalists, music presenters, music producers and heads of music.
This year saw Annie Mac, Anna Calvi, Danielle Perry, Gemma Cairney, Hazel Wilde, Jamie Cullum, Jeff Smith, Michael Kiwanuka, Mike Walsh, Phil Alexander, Tshepo Mokoena, Will Hodgkinson and Jeff Smith came together to choose the shortlist and winner.
Musicians who had been shortlisted performed one track at Hammersmith's Eventim Apollo from their shortlisted album. However, Harry Styles was unable to attend the ceremony as he is currently on tour in the US.
Harry Styles make the shortlist for the first time ever for his third studio album, Harry's House.
Amongst the shortlist was also Fergus McCreadie for his album Forest Floor, Gwenno with Tresor, Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler with For All Out Days That Tear The Heart, Joy Crookes with Skin, Kojey Radical with Reason to Smile, Little Simz with Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, Nova Twins with Supernova, Rebecca Lucy Taylor – who's stage name is Self Esteem – with Prioritise Pleasure, Sam Fender with his second album Seventeen Going Under, Wet Leg with their self-titled album and Yard Act with The Overload.
The ceremony was originally due to be held on September 8 but was cancelled out of respect for the Queen as it was announced she had died age 96 on the same day.
In a statement shared with the Mirror, the organisers said: "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."
Last year, the prize was won by Arlo Parks for for her debut album Collapsed In Sunbeams.
As the indie-soul singer accepted the gong, she said: "It took a lot of sacrifice and hard work to get here.
"There were moments where I wasn't sure whether I would make it through - but I am here today, so thank you very much."
