Michael Kiwanuka’s ‘Kiwanuka’ Album Wins Coveted Hyundai Mercury Prize
29 September 2020
[Photo Credit: HYUNDAI UK MEDIA]
By Gloria
UK-based Ugandan singer and songwriter Michael Kiwanuka was last week voted winner of UK’s Hyundai Mercury Prize beating eleven top contenders.
Kiwanuka's latest album titled 'KIWANUKA’ released in November 2019 was voted as the best album of the year 2020 live on BBC where he performed and received his prestigious award.
The UK-based Ugandan artiste beat best-sellers like Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia and Stormzy’s Heavy is the Head among others.
“I’m so blown away and excited to have won the @MercuryPrize. An absolute dream come true to win something that celebrates the art of the album and British music. I’m lost for words and so so grateful for all the love I’m receiving. Nothing can describe...” Kiwanuka Michael tweeted.
Kiwanuka's win comes as a third attempt after having been nominated for each of his two previous albums; 2012’s Home Again and 2016’s Love & Hate.
He walked away with a cash prize of £25,000 (Shs 117 million).
The announcement was made by Radio 1’s Annie Mac on The One Show, after Covid-19 restrictions made the traditional award ceremony impossible.
The full 2020 Mercury Prize shortlist was:
- Laura Marling – A Song for Our Daughter
- Dua Lipa – Future Nostalgia
- Porridge Radio – Every Bad
- Sports Team – Deep Down
- Happy Kano – Hoodies All Summer
- Anna Meredith – FIBS
- Georgia – Seeking Thrills
- Lanterns on the Lake – Spook the Herd
- Moses Boyd – Dark Matter
- Charli XCX – How I’m Feeling Now
- Stormzy – Heavy is the Head
- Michael Kiwanuka – Kiwanuka
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