When the Mercury Music Prize nominations were annouced a short while ago, we declared that none of it really mattered because the losers were better than the winners anyway. Despite act of the moment Florence and the Machine being the favourite to win tonight, we sat munching on our hat as far lesser-known newcomer, Speech Debelle was annouced as the winner of the coveted £20,000 prize.
The self proclaimed 'Tracy Chapman of Hip-Hop', who hails from South London, graciously accepted the prize, surprised that she had beaten industry favourites including La Roux, The Horrors, Bat for Lashes and Glasvegas, but seemingly as pleased as we were that this year the prize had allowed an exciting, original, and as yet not so widely known act to be pushed to the forefront.
Speech Debelle's debut album, Speech Therapy was released at the beginning of June this year, and features modern bardic lyrics, reminiscent of a young, female Mike Skinner, accompanied by the easy jazz of the 'therapists'.
Speech will be touring the UK throughout September and October, most likely to sold-out audiences following her receipt of the prize.
If you haven't already, check out Speech Debelle on Spotify.