Stormzy leads most influential Black celebrities in UK’s 2021 Powerlist
The grime artist has been named one of the most influential Black people in the UK by The Powerlist 2021 – beating the likes of Michaela Coel and Edward Enninful OBE
Stormzy has been named the most influential Black celebrity in Britain by The Powerlist 2021 – the annual list of the most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage in the UK.
The grime artist came in at number three on the prestigious list – losing out to Lewis Hamilton, but beating actress Michaela Coel and Vogue editor Edward Enninful.
The announcement comes just days after the sportsman made history as a seven-time Formula One World Champion, making him the most successful driver in history as he equalled Michael Schumacher ‘s record.
Earlier in the year, Hamilton surpassed Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 grand prix wins – as he now boasts 94.
The 35-year-old sportsman was also commended for topping the Powerlist for his achievements off the track following his support for the Black Lives Matter movement and for launching The Hamilton Commission to improve diversity in UK motorsport.
Hamilton has been honoured by The Powerlist, now in its 15th year, which honours some inspirational men and women across a wide range of industries including the arts, business, politics, science and technology.
The driver beat Stormzy, historian David Olusoga and journalist Afua Hirsch to clinch the top spot.
Addressing his accomplishment, Hamilton said: “It’s an absolute honour to be named number one on The Powerlist, I really really appreciate it. This for me is a monumental moment.
“I’m so proud to be acknowledged, especially within the black community. Everyone on this list is so inspiring and leading in their own industry, I’m honestly thrilled to be mentioned alongside them.
“I think we all have responsibility and we’re trying to do our best. I like to think that I’m just a part of a chain of many people trying to push for change.”
New Powerlist entrants include the likes of Marcus Rashford, who campaigned for free school meals for children during the coronavirus pandemic; Jacqueline McKenzie, who fought for justice for victims of the Windrush Scandal, and actor, screenwriter and director Michaela Coel, who was behind TV hit of the year I May Destroy You.
THE FULL POWERLIST 2021 TOP 10 is:
1. Lewis Hamilton MBE – Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion 2. Professor Kevin Fenton (New) – Regional Director PHE London
3. Stormzy – Grime Artist, Philanthropist 4. Michaela Coel (New) – Actor, Screenwriter, Director 5. Edward Enninful OBE – Editor-in-chief, British Vogue 6. Dame Donna Kinnair – CEO & General Secretary, Royal College of Nursing 7. Jacqueline McKenzie – Director at Centre for Migration Advice and Research and McKenzie, Beute and Pope 8. David Olusoga – Historian, Joint Creative Director of Uplands Television Ltd 9. Afua Hirsch – Journalist, Author, Broadcaster 10. Richard Iferenta – Partner and Vice Chair, KPMG LLP
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