Mercury Prize 2020 awarded to Michael Kiwanuka who says ‘it’s a dream come true’

Michael Kiwanuka has been announced as the winner of this year’s prestigious Mercury Prize.

Radio DJ Annie Mac awarded Michael with the highly-sought after award for his third album Kiwanuka on The One Show alongside Alex Jones and Matt Baker.

It’s the third time the 33-year-old has been short-listed for the prestigious award and for Michael, the third time has been a charm.

Speaking about his incredible win on The One Show, the talented artist insisted that it was ‘a dream come true’.

“It’s a dream come true. It’s all I have ever wanted to do in my life.

“This is amazing, it’s ridiculous and crazy. I am so happy. it’s my third album and it’s really such a beautiful time to win this.

“I want to continue making music that can connect with people and make people’s lives that little bit better.”

BBC Radio One presenter Annie initially told the lucky star over zoom on Wednesday evening and admitted that it truly killed her to keep it a secret for over 24 hours.

This year’s event was an extremely different format due to the required restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nevertheless, Michael has still been able to revel in the career-defining moment.

This year’s nominee list was made up of nine solo artists and three bands – some more recognised in the mainstream media than others.

Among some of the show-stopping nominee’s for album of the year included Dua Lipa for her record Future Nostalgia which she released just before the coronavirus lockdown in the UK.

Charli XCX was also shortlisted for the album which she created during lockdown – How I’m Feeling Now.

Elsewhere, Stormzy was in the running to nab the career-changing award with his chart-topping record Heavy is the Head.

The highly sought-after Mercury Prize is one of biggest accolades an artist could ever be awarded.

The £25,000 cash prize, along with the highest recognition from music industry bosses has been known to catapult artist’s to massive levels of fame.

Previous winners include the Arctic Monkey’s, Elbow, and rapper Dizzie Rascal – who insisted that winning the prize at the tender age of 19 launched him into a stardom that he may not have enjoyed otherwise.

Speaking to Annie Mac on The One Show, the Bonkers hit-maker admitted: “It’s the biggest and the best award that any young artist could ever dream of winning.

“I don’t think I would be where I am or have enjoyed the career and success that I have without it.”

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