- ITV Report
Rapper Dave hugged his mother and thanked his criminal brother on stage after winning theMercury Prize.
The London artist thanked God for his win and said the story of his winning album, Psychodrama, was inspired by the therapy received by his brother , who was jailed for life.
From a shortlist with works featuring messages on politics, the environment and identity, Dave’s family reflection was the pick of 2019.
The awardis given for the best album released in the UK by a British or Irish act and carries a £ 25, 00 0 prize.
Chosen from the 12 shortlisted artists, Dave was rapturously received by the audience at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London.
Accepting the award, he said: “I want to thank God. I want to thank everyone, my mum.
“I want to thank my brother Christopher. Even though you can’t be here with us today, I know you are watching this bro . “
Dave, full name David Omoregie, shared a hug with his mother as he delivered his speech, thanking his sibling, who he said was the inspiration for the album.
Christopher Omoregie was jailed for a knife attack in 2013.
Streatham rapper Dave delivered an emotional rendition of his balladic rap track Psycho, to acclaim from the audience.
He was one of six London artists nominated, with Stormzy and Jorja Smith among the judging panel assessing the year best albums.
Nominee Slowthai raised eyebrows, bringing an effigy of Boris Johnson’s head on stage and declaring “f *** Boris Johnson” before his set.
Black Midi gave perhaps the strangest performance of the night with their brand of experimental rock, to rapturous applause.
Little Simz delivered a skillful rap performance while accompanying her own rhymes on the piano.
The 1975 were nominated for A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, Fontaines DC for Dogrel, Seed Ensemble for Driftglass, and Foals for Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 1.
Little Simz was in contention for her album Gray Area, Anna Calvi for Hunter, Idles for their success Joy As An Act Of Resistance, Slowthai for Nothing Great About Britain, Dave for Psychodrama, and Cate Le Bon for Reward.
Nao’s Saturn and Black Midi’s release Schlagenheim were also nominated.
The Mercury Prize is an honor given to the best album released in the UK by a British or Irish act, and has run since 1992.
Rock act Wolf Alice claimed the prize in 2018 for their album Visions Of A Life.
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