Benjamin Clementine wins 2015 Mercury Prize

Benjamin Clementine in Edmonton, 2014. Pic: Wikipedia/Joe Livingstone

The British-French poet, singer and songwriter is crowned this year’s winner of the album contest for ‘At Least For Now’

Benjamin Clementine has won the 2015 Mercury Music Prize for his debut album, At Least For Now. In an emotional acceptance speech, the British-French poet, singer and songwriter dedicated the award to those who lost their life during last week’s terrorist attack in Paris – a city where he spent several years busking. He went on to invite the other shortlisted artists onto the stage before closing the ceremony with a heartfelt solo performance of I Won’t Complain.

Clementine’s long-player was selected ahead of other nominees Aphex Twin, Wolf Alice, Róisín Murphy, C Duncan, Eska, Florence + the Machine, Ghostpoet, Jamie xx, SOAK, Gaz Coombes and Slaves. The 2015 Mercury Prize ‘Albums of the Year’ in association with BBC Music recognises innovative albums produced in the UK and Ireland, with the winner receiving a cheque for £20,000.

Past winners have included The xx, James Blake, Primal Scream, Portishead, and two-time winner PJ Harvey. 2014’s contest was won by Scottish hip-hop trio Young Fathers, with their debut album Dead one of the least-expected winners of recent years.

For more about Benjamin Clementine, visit benjaminclementine.com and to find out more about the Mercury Prize in general, take a look at mercuryprize.com

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