Last night, the biggest British artists gathered in London for the 40th Brit awards. American artist Lizzo delivered a hard-hitting performance, and Female Solo Artist Winner Mabel was equally incredible. But what really stood out for me was the performances and successful wins of two Black boys from London: Stormzy and Dave.
The Brits are the most prominent night of the year to celebrate music talent in the UK. The awards have an importance place highlighting rising stars (like singer Celeste, who won last night) and promoting upcoming talent. But for all its importance, for too long, Black stars haven’t got the recognition they deserved. In 2016, the awards were labelled #BRITsSoWhite across social media due to the dearth of Black artists nominated in the majority of categories.
But last night saw real progress. In the modern day where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer royals, and Boris Johnson is prime minister, to see two normal, Black men like Stormzy and Dave walk away with the biggest awards of the night was something truly monumental.
Although the argument for greater recognition of women at the awards still stands, we have to take one step at a time and be thankful for this landmark night that saw diverse faces finally seen and heard delivering real messages on a major platform.
Dave’s performance wasn’t something you would normally see at the Brits. After Stormzy called out Theresa May in 2018 for the lack of justice for Grenfell Tower fire victims, I didn’t think it would be possible to see something as powerful and moving on the Brits’ stage again.
But then Dave came on and explicitly branded Boris Johnson “racist”. “It is racist even if it doesn’t feel racist, the truth is our prime minister is the real racist,” he rapped. He spoke about Windrush: “Still need support for the Windrush generation, reparations for the time our people spent on plantations.” He called out the media’s treatment of the Duchess of Sussex: “If you don’t wanna get it, then you’re never gonna get it. How the news treats Kate versus how they’re treating Meghan.”
Why haven’t Grenfell victims got justice? Why did the Windrush scandal happen? Why is our own PM racist? Dave’s comments were so important because although people might not want to face these questions head on, these conversations need to happen on a mainstream platform.
Right now, a generation of Black boys and girls are seeing people like them, Stormzy and Dave, on a mainstream stage being unapologetically Black and themselves while still keeping their faith and standing for justice. What could be more inspiring for young people to believe in and aim higher?
Performing his song “Black” with a one-minute politically charged rap in front of a Caucasian-dominated crowd, Dave showed he is fearless. He showed that when you speak up for what you believe in, your voice will be heard. To champion his race and demand slavery reparations gave Dave all of my respect.
As a Black woman, it gave me hope that one day my son could be just like them. I could raise a Black boy that will one day dominate headlines, make changes and speak out on vital subjects.
Living in a society where Black people are continuously undermined, seeing Dave and Stormzy pick up the biggest awards showed that we are all equals. That bit of hope instilled in my heart blossomed. It sent a message that we can all make it.
We have to say thank you to Stormzy and Dave for giving us the hope to carry on and giving everyone that extra kick to go out there and get your dreams regardless of your race.
British music is on the rise. To see diverse and Black faces at the forefront of the industry is what we expected years ago – but better late than never.
Nikki Onafuye is a freelance journalist.