Stormzy leads Mercury Prize 2020 nominations - as Walsall's Jorja Smith helps judge
Stormzy has secured his second Mercury Prize nomination and will go head to head with artists including Dua Lipa, Laura Marling and Michael Kiwanuka.
The grime star and Glastonbury headliner’s second album, Heavy Is The Head, is among the 12-strong shortlist for the prestigious prize.
His chart-topping debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, was nominated in 2017.
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The Mercury Prize judging board this year included the Walsall-born RnB star Jorja Smith, whose 2018 debut album Lost & Found was nominated for the award.
Lipa secures her first Mercury Prize nod for Future Nostalgia, her critically acclaimed and disco-influenced second album.
North London singer-songwriter Kiwanuka is nominated for his self-titled third album, meaning all three of his studio albums have now made the Mercury Prize shortlist. However, so far he has not won the prize. Marling lands her fourth Mercury Prize nomination for Song For Our Daughter, while Kano gets his second for Hoodies All Summer.
Moses Boyd, Porridge Radio, Sports Team, Lanterns On The Lake, Georgia and Charli XCX all secure their first nominations.
The shortlist for the Hyundai Mercury Prize, which recognises the best British album of the year, was narrowed down by 12 judges including Smith, Anna Calvi, Annie Mac, Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, Jamie Cullum and Vice.com’s editorial director Tshepo Mokoena.
A statement from the judges said: “In these difficult and uncertain times the Hyundai Mercury Prize is proud to celebrate the remarkable power of music to inspire and exhilarate. The albums showcase a great diversity of sounds, styles, ambitions and experience.
“What these albums share is an irresistible urgency, a belief that their music matters more than ever.”
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of industry body BPI – which organises the Mercury Prize – said: “Extraordinary music for extraordinary times.
“The Mercury Prize is back, reminding us that the creative brilliance of our artists is a constant, even when the world is turned upside down.
“We believe it’s all the more important this year for the Mercury Prize to shine a spotlight on 12 exceptional albums of the year, spanning an eclectic gamut of genres and uniting the biggest names in music with the most exciting new talent.
“These records tell stories, dig deep into the personal experiences of their creators and represent the best in contemporary music.
“We congratulate all the shortlisted artists and thank our expert judges and our partners, Hyundai and YouTube Music, for supporting this year’s prize.”
Last year’s Mercury Prize was won by rapper Dave for his album Psychodrama, fending off competition from nominees including Slowthai, The 1975, Little Simz and Foals.
Organisers say it is likely a live awards show will not happen in September as planned, but the winner will be announced on September 24.
