For the first time ever, a jazz band has won the Britain’s Mercury Prize
The annual Mercury Prize was awarded in Britain last night (September 7) and the for the first time in the event’s history stretching back 31 years, the winner was a jazz band.
Congratulations to Exa Collective, a five-piece from London, for winning it all for their album, Where I’m Meant to Be. They took the prize over albums from Arctic Monkeys, Fred Again, J Hus, Jessie Ware, Jockstrap, Lankum, Loyle Carner, Olivia Dean, Raye, Shygirl and Young Fathers.
Going into the evening, bookies gave Ezra Collective odds of 25-1 of winner. The favourite? Jockstrap’s I Love You Jennifer B at 6-4. Lorle Carner’s Hugo was next at 702 followed by Heavy Heavy from Young Fathers at 5-1.
Next up on the award calendar: Canada’s Polaris Music Prize. The Gala event will be held in at Massey Hall in Toronto on September 19.
