CMAT warns “fascism is on the rise” in politically charged Ivor Novello acceptance speech
CMAT called on her fellow artists to use their platform for political resistance while highlighting worsening levels of global fascism at the Ivor Novello ceremony in London.
The Irish musician was in attendance at the award ceremony, which took place on May 21st, where she won the award for ‘Best Album’, beating out Jim Legxacy, Olivia Dean, Wolf Alice, and Lily Allen.
Taking the stage to accept the award, the singer-songwriter began, “This record, EURO-COUNTRY, is about the very complicated relationship that I have with my country.”
She added sardonically, “I happen to be a legal immigrant in this country, only because Ireland was lucky enough to be colonised 800 years ago by England…”
Speaking on the role of music in the larger sociopolitical landscape, she shared, “I have a very specific idea of what songwriting is supposed to be for. I think it is to reflect the times through your own personal view, so that everybody can have something to connect to, and something to learn from years later.”
Speaking out to the other artists attending the ceremony, which included the likes of Elton John and Thom Yorke, she added, “Now, I would compel my fellow artists in the room, it is not the time to sit on the fence. Fascism is on the rise.”
The start then called out Bertie Ahern specifically, the former Irish prime minister who has recently been under fire for comments he made in a doorstep conversation while out canvassing for the recent election, whereby he singled out people arriving from “the Congo” as well as “the next generation of Muslims”.
CMAT continued, “‘He revealed his true colours. Fuck Reform. Fuck Nigel Farage. I have no time, sympathy or empathy for anybody that decides to make life more difficult for people who are just trying to live – and that’s what EURO-COUNTRY is about.’
Visit here to see the full list of winners on the night, including Lola Young, Sam Fender, Fraser T Smith, Kae Tempest, and Rosalía.
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