The 2022 Mercury Prize winner goes to British singer, rapper, and actress, Little Simz
London-based rapper Little Simz (real name Simbiatu “Simbi” Abisola Abiola Ajikawo) has been named the 2022 Mercury Prize winner for her fourth album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, which won the best British or Irish album the past year. At the ceremony on Tuesday, the 28 year old took home a £25,000 award and paid tribute to the other nominees on the bill.
“We all made incredible albums,” Little Simz said on stage as the 2022 Mercury Prize winner. “We all changed people’s lives with our music, and that’s the most important thing.”
Additionally, Simz gave praise to her album’s producer, Inflo, stating that there were periods in the studio when she “didn’t know if I was gonna finish this record. I was feeling all the emotions and really going through it and he stuck by me and pushed me to deliver this album for you guys.”
Simz was favored to be the 2022 Mercury Prize winner and beat her competition consisting of Fergus McCreadie, Gwenno, Harry Styles, Self Esteem, Wet Leg, and more. The live ceremony was held at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith and featured performances by the nominees, except for Harry Styles who was currently on a U.S. tour, though he sent a recorded performance for the make up.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth II just hours prior to the originally scheduled start of the Mercury Prize ceremony forced a last minute change of plans. The initial September 8th show date was then postponed to October 18.
Michael Kiwanuka won the award in 2020 after Arlo Parks received the honor the previous year. The prize’s eligibility conditions were altered in 2021 as a result of Rina Sawayama being disqualified despite having resided in the UK.