Call for nominations: 2021 Hyundai Mercury Prize
The organisers of the annual Hyundai Mercury Prize are accepting nominations ahead of the awards ceremony at the Eventim Apollo in London on 9 September.
First presented in 1992 and formerly known as the Mercury Music Prize, the award recognises the best in new British and Irish music, honouring artistic accomplishments across an eclectic range of contemporary music genres.
Like previous years, the 2021 edition will celebrate “12 shortlisted artists and albums, and the evening will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2021 Hyundai Mercury Prize for Album of the Year,” a press statement reads.
Albums by British or Irish artists released between 18 July 2020 and 16 July 2021 are eligible for entry, although submissions must be received by 12 May.
The shortlist will be announced on 22 July. The award’s broadcast partner, BBC Music, will provide TV and radio coverage of the event.
Last year, British-Ugandan musician Michael Kiwanuka won the Mercury Prize and £25 000 ($34 000) for his album Kiwanuka. He beat 11 other nominees including popstars Dua Lipa and Charli XCX, grime stars Stormzy and Kano, and bands Sports Team, Porridge Radio, and Lanterns on the Lake, among others.
“Kiwanuka by Michael Kiwanuka is the well-deserved winner of the 2020 Hyundai Mercury Prize 2020 for Album of the Year,” the judging panel said about his release. “Classic yet contemporary, drawing on the history of music while remaining an intensely personal work of self-expression, this is an album that will stand the test of time. Kiwanuka is not only a complete work but also one that is borne of the courage of its creator to build his world and invite us in. Warm, rich, hugely accomplished and belonging to no one genre but its own, Kiwanuka is a masterpiece.“
Other previous winners of African descent include Dizzee Rascal, Skepta and Dave.
Hyundai, the title sponsor of the prize for the past five years, says it is “committed to celebrating these artists as part of its mission to harness creativity and passion to shape the future of electric mobility and create a better world.”
Renowned British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins will also continue in its role as a partner to “celebrate the album format and the shortlisted artists’ creative achievements.”
Entries for the 2021 Hyundai Mercury Prize will close on 12 May at 8pm CAT.
Record labels wishing to submit albums can email entries@mercuryprize.co.uk for more information.
Visit the official website for further details.
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