Dave wins Mercury Prize 2019

The rapper took the prize for Psychodrama

Dave wins Mercury Prize 2019

Dave has won the 2019 Hyundai Mercury prize for his debut album, Psychodrama. 

Judge Annie Mac described the album as having “remarkable levels of musicianship, true artistry, courage, honesty. And it is simply exceptional.”

Hosted at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London, Dave, whose real name is David Orobosa Omoregie, was awarded the £25,000 prize ahead of peers such as Foals, Anna Calvi, The 1975 and Slowthai, who was the bookmakers’ favourite.

Taking to the stage, the 21-year-old appeared overwhelmed at winning, saying "I did not expect this.” He then went on to dedicate the award to his family and friends. In particular he spoke of Christopher - his older brother - who is currently in prison, but who served as a father figure and role model to the artist when he was growing up. His voice can actually be heard in ‘Drama’, the final track of the album. The title of the album was actually inspired by the therapy he is receiving in prison. 

This year’s full list of nominees was: Anna Calvi (for her album Hunter); Black Midi (Schlagenheim); Cate Le Bon (Reward); Dave (Psychodrama); Foals (Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Pt1); Fontaines DC (Dogrel); Idles (Joy As an Act of Resistance); Little Simz (Grey Area); Nao (Saturn); SEED Ensemble (Driftglass); Slowthai (Nothing Great About Britain); the 1975 (A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships).

You can listen to all of the shortlisted artists on the official Mercury Prize playlist.

Header Image Credit: Mercury Prize (Twitter)

Author

Tom Inniss

Tom Inniss Voice Team

Tom is the Editor of Voice. He is a politics graduate and holds a masters in journalism, with particular interest in youth political engagement and technology. He is also a mentor to our Voice Contributors, and champions our festivals programme, including the reporter team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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