Dave and Little Simz were both victorious at the Ivor Novello awards last night. Founded in 1956 and named after the famous entertainer, the annual Ivor Novello awards celebrate Britain’s most esteemed songwriters and on-screen composers.
The 1st of September was an unforgettable night for Dave, real name David Omoregie, as the rapper was given the award of Best Contemporary Song. It was Dave’s monumental track, Black, that secured the No Words hitmaker with the prestigious award.
Defiant, powerful, and thought-provoking, Black mediates on the struggles of Black people from historical suffering to the plight of modern times. Covering modern racial inequality, stereotyping and the history of slavery, to say that Black was deserving of Best Contemporary Song would be a gross understatement.
Amongst the panel of judges for the Best Contemporary Song award were singer-songwriter Noa, rapper Ghetts and Pauline Black of ska revival band Selecter. The talented artists all described Black as “important, eloquent and a song that not only empowers but is borderless in its musicality.”
The Album of the Year Award went to Little Simz, aka Simbiatu Ajikawo, for her defiant record Grey Area. The award was shared with producer Inflo.
Tackling issues such as violence, self-certainty, and growing up, Simz’ third studio album pairs razor-sharp wit and lyricism with electrifying, experimental production. Including tracks like Offence, Venom and Pressure, Grey Area demonstrates that Little Simz is a maverick of rap, who is only on the rise.
The judges for Album of the Year Award included Idles frontman Joe Talbot and Jessie Ware. Simz relayed to The Guardian newspaper yesterday that “This award is really special, because it’s about the power of the pen, and to know that my pen is being respected and acknowledged is a good feeling.”
Little Simz took to social media to share news of her victory with her ever-expanding fanbase. Posting a photo of the Ivor Novello award, the rapper and singer reflected upon her music making journey.
Writing in the celebratory post on Instgram: “It’s been a long journey but more on the horizon to come. For now, I’ll be enjoying the fruits of my labour. Blessings and thanks again.” Garnering over 17,000 likes, the post has been met with a joyous reception from Little Simz fans.
Calvin Harris also won big last night, scooping up the Award for Most Performed Work for his collaboration with Rag ‘N’ Bone Man on Giant. Calculated from collected data by royalties organisation PRs for Music, Harris shared the award with co-writers Troy Miller and Jamie Hartman.
Singer Jamie Cullum was successful in winning in the “best song musically and lyrically” category for his moving song, The Age of Anxiety. Delving into topics such as Brexit, social media, and immigration, the track was described as “beautifully emotive, with an exceptionally crafted melody” by judges Lily Allen and Joan Armatrading.
In a chat with The Guardian, the Twenty-Something hitmaker said that he was “extremely honoured…as someone who’s had a long journey as a songwriter, I’m particularly proud of this one.” Cullum also spoke on the song’s lyrics that refer to immigration, stating “We have a duty to show compassion to people who are in the greatest kind of need.
