Michael Kiwanuka wins the 2020 Mercury Prize
The 2020 Hyundai Mercury Prize has gone to Michael Kiwanuka for his self-titled album, ‘Kiwanuka’.
It was the third attempt by the British soul heavyweight to claim the prize, having been nominated for previous albums ‘Home Again’ (2012) and ‘Love & Hate’ (2016).
On receiving the prize, Kiwanuka said: “I’m over the moon, so so excited. This [prize] is for art, for music, for albums – it’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do, so to win a Mercury is a dream come true… It’s blown my mind.”
Other artists nominated included Kano for his ‘Hoodies All Summer’ LP, Charli XCX’s quarantine-recorded album ‘how i’m feeling now’ and Moses Boyd with ‘Dark Matter’. Kiwanuka also beat Dua Lipa and Stormzy.
The result was announced on The One Show on BBC One last night by Annie Mac. Kiwanuka receives £25,000.
Kiwanuka topped the BBC Sound Of poll back in 2012.
Stream ‘Kiwanuka’ below.
