Arlo Parks wins 2021 Hyundai Mercury Prize

Now in its 30th year, the Mercury Prize for Album of the Year celebrates the best of British and Irish music across a range of contemporary music genres. 

The musician won £25 000 ($35 000) and edged 11 other finalists including Ghetts, Wolf Alice, Celeste and Mogwai, whom the judges said were a “testament to the strength of British music” by releasing albums in a year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, British-Ugandan musician Michael Kiwanuka won the award for his album Kiwanuka.

“It took a lot of sacrifice and hard work to get here,” Arlo Parks said. “There were moments where I wasn’t sure whether I would make it through – but I am here today, so thank you very much.”

The 12-track Collapsed In Sunbeams album was released in January on Transgressive Records and peaked at No 3 on the UK Albums Chart. It was supported with seven singles and tackles subjects like depression and anxiety through a positive lens.

“It was extremely difficult to choose a winner of the 2021 Hyundai Mercury Prize,” the award’s judging panel, which included Kiwanuka, said. “There were so many strong albums, of such diversity and character.

“But in the end, we decided that Arlo Parks was an extremely worthy winner. Addressing such complex issues as mental health and sexuality with real empathy, displaying lyrical wisdom that belied her 21 years, with Collapsed In Sunbeams Arlo Parks has created an album that has captured the spirit of the year in a positive, forward-thinking fashion.

“It has the ability to reach out and remind a wider audience of the timeless art of the album. Arlo is an artist who connects deeply with her generation and reflects the plurality of contemporary British life.”

Arlo Parks was born Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho in West London. She is of Nigerian, Chadian and French descent. She also behind 2019’s Super Sad Generation EP, and mentions the likes of Harry Styles, Frank Ocean, Solange and Massive Attack among her influences.