At this point, she literally needs no introduction. But now, after missing out on the award in 2019, Little Simz has claimed her well-earned trophy at The Mercury Prize. The coveted ceremony filters through the mountains of incredible British music from the last year and chooses a highlight that has defined the sonic landscape for the age. Dave may have been a sensible choice back in 2019; but in 2022… Little Simz was the only choice.

And the winner of the 2022 Mercury Prize with @FreeNow_UK is… @LittleSimz – ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’ #MercuryPrize pic.twitter.com/PqMWA59e0C

— Mercury Prize (@MercuryPrize) October 18, 2022

This puts Little Simz in a very respectable position this year after she also bagged the title of best newcomer at the Brit awards earlier this year – despite it being more than 7 years since she crashed onto the scene – as well as her appearances at Reading and Leeds Festival. Simz well deserved recognition was met with rapturous applause as she gave her short and sweet acceptance speech, “There was times in the studio when I didn’t know if I was going to finish this record, I was feeling all the emotions and really going through it. He stuck by me and pushed me to deliver this album for you guys.”

In a statement made by the Mercury Prize judges, they explain, “This accomplished and complex yet entirely accessible album is the work of someone striving constantly to push herself.” Continuing, “It deals with themes both personal and political while putting them against music that is as sophisticated as it is varied. The Mercury Prize is all about shining a light on albums of lasting value and real artistry. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert has both.”

The original performance night was supposed to take place 6 weeks ago, on September 8^th, but the night was postponed after the news broke of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. In the days following the announcement many members of the public, as well as revered artists, made their respects to the Queen. You can take a look at a select few of those moments here.

My fundamental belief that Simz is the deserving winner of this prize doesn’t mean to take away from the achievements of all of the artists that even managed to be nominated for the award. Yard Act, Self Esteem, Nova Twins, Kojey Radical, and all of the other names featured here have given massive contributions to the ever-expanding repertoire of fantastic British music. But when you boil down thoughtful lyricism, creative production, and a bizarrely effective portrayal of a political system… you’ve just got to give it some credit.