It was clear that the London rapper, responsible for tracks such as ‘Funky Friday’, ‘Streatham’ and ‘Thiago Silva’ was stunned by the win, as he took to the stage to claim his prize. “I don’t know what to say,” he said. “I want to firstly thank God. I want to invite my mum up onto stage.” 

He went on to say. “I want to thank everyone that made this happen, I want to thank all of the exceptional musicians who performed tonight…I respect you all so highly”.  

He paid his respects to artists Little Simz, Slowthai and Nao, hailing them as “exceptional musicians”. At the end of the acceptance speech, he dedicated the win to his brother Christopher, who is currently in prison. “Even though you can’t be here today, I know you’re watching this bro. I’m so grateful.”

Annie Mac announced Dave as the winner for his album, saying. “It showed true artistry, it showed courage,  it showed honesty. It’s simply exceptional,” 

As well as Dave, other performers on the night included Cate Le Bon, Foals, Fontaines D.C., Little Simz, Idles, Slowthai and Nao. A collective statement by the judges of the ceremony was released beforehand. “This year’s Hyundai Mercury Prize celebrates both the striking diversity of British and Irish music-makers and their shared purpose in exploring issues of identity and belonging at a time of division and disagreement. And all this is done with music of passion, wit, insight, ambition and heart-stirring optimism!”

Included amongst the group of judges were Annie Mac, Jamie Cullum, Stormzy and Jorja Smith. The full list of judges of the ceremony are as listed below:

Annie Mac (Broadcaster and DJ)
Clara Amfo (Broadcaster and DJ)
Danielle Perry (Broadcaster and Writer)
Gaz Coombes (Musician and Songwriter)
Jamie Cullum (Musician and Broadcaster)
Jeff Smith (Head of Music, 6 Music and Radio 2)
Jorja Smith (Musician and Songwriter)
Mike Walsh (Head of Music at Radio X)
Phil Alexander (Creative Director at Kerrang! and Contributing Editor at Mojo)
Stormzy (Musician and Songwriter)
Tshepo Mokoena (Editorial Director at VICE.com)
Will Hodgkinson (Chief Rock and Pop Critic at The Times)