Sampha wins 2017 Mercury Prize

But Stormzy stole the show

Sampha has won the 2017 Mercury Prize for his debut album Process. He was awarded the prize – officially known as the The Hyundai Mercury Prize – at a lavish awards ceremony at Eventim Apollo, London tonight (14 September) by actor and DJ Idris Elba. It was the the longest deliberation in the prize’s history, according to host Lauren Laverne.

The South London singer, songwriter and producer fought off competition from Stormzy, The Big Moon, Kate Tempest and The xx to scoop the trophy and £25,000 prize money.

Ostensibly, the Mercury Prize celebrates the most innovative albums produced in the UK and Ireland over the last 12 months. This year, the judging panel was made up of 12 figures in the music industry, such as artists Lianne La Havas, Jamie Cullum and Jessie Ware, broadcasters Mistajam and Clara Amfo, and a roster of critics and journalists. Last year, the award went to Skepta for Konnichiwa. 

While Sampha took home the trophy and prize fund, the main talking point from this year’s awards ceremony was undoubtedly Stormzy’s stunning live rendition of First Things First which saw the grime MC recreate the Gang Signs & Prayer cover art. Watch a clip of the performance below.

Read our review of Sampha’s Process here.