As we approach the release of Skepta’s eagerly-anticipated album ‘Konnichiwa’, it’s been announced that the Tottenham rapper has been nominated alongside Ragz Originale for a prestigious Ivor Novello Award for his 2015 anthem, “Shutdown”.
Better known as “The Ivors”, this specific award is going for Best Contemporary Song and has included Grime anthem “Shutdown” amongst its nominees. The Ivors are presented in association with PRS for Music and aim to celebrate the best of British composition and songwriting. As such, it’s a real triumph that Skepta’s found himself amongst a more commercial host of nominees, including Ed Sheeran (“Bloodstream”), Jamie Lawson (“Wasn’t Expecting That”), Years and Years (“King”), James Bay (“Hold Back the River”) and Jess Glynne (“Hold My Hand”).
BBC 1Xtra’s Austin Daboh was enthused by the nomination, making reference to the song’s cultural importance and congratulating the Ivor Novello Awards on recognising it’s success and impact:
The Ivors has a great deal of significance to songwriters, which may be the most exciting and important part about Skepta’s nomination; it feels as if it’s taken a long time for British rap artists to be recognised as full-fledged songwriters, rather than just “spitters”. A lot of time, effort and stress goes into making a song, so for urban songs to be acknowledged for their artistic edge in, and amongst, a commercial shroud is a huge step forward for British Rap/Grime culture.
Skepta will find out whether “Shutdown” has won the award on the 19th of May. This will be the 61st time that the ceremony has been celebrated.
Good luck Skeppy!
Words: @CamJohnst0n