Little Simz wins 2022 Mercury Prize
19.10.2022 - 13:54
/ completemusicupdate.com
So, after a month’s delay – due to the death of the Queen on the night when this was originally supposed to happen – Little Simz was last night handed this year’s Mercury Prize for her album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’. As we all knew it would be. I mean, imagine if they hadn’t given it to Little Simz.Even though it was obvious that none of the others would win, they all still turned up to the ceremony at the Hammersmith Apollo. All except Harry Styles, who couldn’t be fucked.
And is also on tour in the US. As a prize for making the trip to the West London venue, the shortlisted acts got to perform a song live. Styles, meanwhile, had sent in a video.It was a very strong list this year, with Fergus McCreadie, Gwenno, Harry Styles, Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler, Joy Crookes, Kojey Radical, Nova Twins, Sam Fender, Self Esteem, Wet Leg and Yard Act all also shortlisted.
None of their albums were any match for Little Simz’s record though, which benefits from both being great overall and having the best opening to an album in recent memory. You can’t underestimate a strong intro.For her trouble, Simz received a trophy and a cheque for £25,000. Both of which sound nice.
Accepting the prize, she said: “I’m very, very overwhelmed. I’m very grateful. Glory to God – God, thank you so much.
I want to say a huge thank you to the Mercury for this incredible prize”.Thanking the producer of ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ – Inflo – she went on: “I want to say a thank you to my brother and close collaborator Inflo. Flo has known me since I was so young. He’s stuck by me, we created this album together.