Stormzy
Biography
Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., professionally known as Stormzy, is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter born on July 26, 1993, in Croydon, London. Of Ghanaian heritage, he grew up in South Norwood with his mother, brother, and two sisters. Stormzy began rapping at the age of 11, engaging in lyrical battles with older MCs at his local youth club.
Career Beginnings
In 2014, Stormzy gained prominence in the UK underground music scene through his "Wicked Skengman" series of freestyles. His independent EP, 'Dreamers Disease', was released that same year. He achieved wider recognition with his song "Shut Up," which started as a YouTube freestyle and peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. In 2014 and 2015, he won the Best Grime Act at the MOBO Awards.
Rise to Fame
Stormzy's debut album, "Gang Signs & Prayer," released in 2017, was the first grime album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart and won British Album of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards. In 2019, he headlined the Glastonbury Festival, becoming the first Black British solo artist to do so. For his performance, he wore a stab-proof vest featuring a Union Jack, designed by artist Banksy, to comment on the rise of knife crime in London. His first UK number-one single, "Vossi Bop," was also released in 2019.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Gang Signs & Prayer (2017)
- Heavy Is the Head (2019)
- This Is What I Mean (2022)
Achievements and Philanthropy
Throughout his career, Stormzy has received numerous awards, including multiple Brit Awards and MOBO Awards. He is also known for his activism and philanthropy. He has funded the "Stormzy Scholarship for Black UK Students" at the University of Cambridge, covering tuition and maintenance grants. In 2022, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Exeter for his contributions to education and for fighting racial inequality. He also launched Merky FC in 2022, a program aimed at addressing the lack of Black staff in British football.