Sampha has claimed the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize, defeating the likes of the xx, Stormzy, Alt-J, Ed Sheeran and more taking home the £25,000 prize money.
The award, which honours the best British album of the past year, was held at London’s Eventim Apollo and celebrates the best of British and Irish music, honouring the best album released in the past 12 months.
“I’d like to dedicate this award to my parents,” South Londoner Sampha said during his acceptance speech. “They came over from Sierra Leone and just wanted to give us the best life possible.”
Sampha won with his debut album Process and the winner was announced by actor Idris Elba: