Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Mercury Prize 2019: Rapper Slowthai holds fake decapitated head of Boris Johnson on stage

Rapper nominated for his album ‘Nothing Great About Britain’

Clémence Michallon
Friday 20 September 2019 09:01 BST
Comments
Rapper Slowthai holds fake decapitated head of Boris Johnson on stage at Mercury Prize 2019

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rapper Slowthai held up a model of Boris Johnson’s severed head as he performed at Thursday night’s Mercury Prize ceremony.

The 24-year-old shouted: “F*** Boris Johnson! F*** everything! And there ain’t nothing Great about Britain!” – a reference to the name of his award-nominated album ‘Nothing Great About Britain’.

The audience at the Eventim Apollo in London gave the artist - real name Tyron Kymone Frampton – rapturous applause as he left the stage with the head, following his performance of ‘Doorman’.

Awards host Lauren Laverne then addressed them, saying: “Slowthai, with his own views there.”

The artist’s Instagram account later posted a photo of him posing with the faux severed head in a “F*** Boris” T-shirt, which he’s now selling on his online store.

He is one of 12 acts whose work was shortlisted for the 2019 Mercury Prize. The night’s winner was rapper Dave for his album ‘Psychodrama’.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Among the judges was Stormzy, who raised his own profile by criticising then prime minister Theresa May during his performance at the Brit Awards in 2018.

Additional reporting by agencies

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in