LONDON (CelebrityAccess) — British singer, songwriter and record produce has been named as the winner of the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize for his debut album ‘Process’.
Sampha beat out some stiff competition this year, including Ed Sheeran and Stormzy to win the £25,000 Mercury prize. “I feel like I’m dreaming!” Sampha told the crowd after winning the prize.
Sampha, the professional name of Sampha Sisay, has been releasing music since 2011, but until this year was best known for his collaborations with other artists such as SBTRKT, Jessie Ware, Drake and Beyonce.
Sampha’s album “Process” was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges that included Marcus Mumford, collaborator Jessie Ware, Ella Eyre, Radio 1’s Clara Amfo and jazz musician Jamie Cullum.
The Mercury prize was awarded during a gala at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith on Sept. 14th. BBC Music’s Lauren Laverne hosted the show and served as a guest presenter while Idris Elba presented the grand prize. Performances on the night included Alt-J, Blossoms, Dinosaur, Glass Animals, J Hus, Kate Tempest, Loyle Carner, Sampha, Stormzy, The Big Moon and The xx. The 2016 winner of the Prize, Skepta also gave a special performance of ‘Man’ at the Show.