Latest news with #Ghetts
Telegraph
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Wretch 32, Home?: dazzling work from a once-reckless youth
Did you ever expect to hear a grime rapper busting rhymes about accountancy problems? Amidst an atmospheric swirl of samples and beats on the opening track of his ambitious and compelling seventh album Home?, veteran grime star Wretch 32 does exactly that. 'I'm the GOAT but I can't afford my mortgage!' the 40-year-old Jermaine Scott snaps with pained outrage on Transitional Chapter. 'Asking my accountant how my wins become my losses? / You suffer when you boss it, try'na tweak my outgoings / There's an office in my office!' Reviewing his life, Wretch (to give him his Grime name) offers moving thoughts on the struggles of a hard-scrabble youth: 'We're deep in the gutter / Where we reached for our mothers / But they're working overtime / So there wasn't time to hug us / Now the streets we becometh.' But it's not long before he's mischievously complaining, 'I preferred when dodging bullets was my problem / This tax robbing isn't common in the House of Commons.' Right now, Northern Irish rap trio Kneecap are mired in controversy over provocative remarks, with cancelled concerts and an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command. It doesn't seem so long ago that grime was a similar target, with police breaking up concerts and then-Prime Minister David Cameron denouncing the genre for 'encouraging people to carry knives and guns.' Yet in recent years, veteran Grime artists including Kano, Ghetts, Skepta and Headie One have been producing complex autobiographical works, while breakout star Stormzy has become a national treasure – his forthcoming collaboration with the National Theatre affirming hs status as an establishment figure. Having survived its reckless youth, grime has matured into one of modern Britain's richest musical styles, and this dazzling work from Wretch 32 is up there with the best. In truth, Wretch (a nickname from his mother, meaning skinny in Jamaican slang) has long been one of the most serious-minded and socially conscious grime artists. A former member of the Combination Chain Gang, he has scored pop hits, written books and poetry, and now holds a senior role as Creative Director with 0207 Def Jam. Like the best rap albums, Home? is infused with musicality, drawing on reggae, afrobeat, garage and R'n'B, punctuated by horns, guitars and a swimmy dubby sensuality. Wretch is a sharp wordsmith who also sings with a raw sweetness reminiscent of Bob Marley. It is a collaborative medium, and Wretch has marshalled outstanding talents: singers Angel, Teni, Protoje, Skip Marley and WSTRN, with punchy contributions from Little Simz, Ghetts and Top Boy star Kano. Soundbites from documentary Scenes From The Farm, about life on Tottenham's Broadwater Farm estate in the wake of the terrible mid-80s riots, give thematic focus to ideas of home and what it means to be Black and British. As a second-generation Jamaican, angered by the Windrush scandal, a sense of political frustration bubbles throughout. Yet it's not a heavy album, there's joy in the Caribbean, African and British blend, with sing-along melodies and danceable rhythms. Home? sugars bitter pills with sweet sounds. Just as revolutionaries often mature into statesmen, grime's once-controversial rebel youth are taking the reins right now in British popular music. Sometimes you just have to let people grow up.
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Ivor Novello Awards 2025: Lola Young nominated for Best Album and more
Lola Young leads the list of nominees for the Ivor Novello Awards. Lola Young leads the list of nominees for the Ivor Novello Awards. The 24-year-old singer has been nominated for three gongs, including Best Album, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and the Rising Star released her second studio album, 'This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway', in 2024. But she will face stiff competition for the Best Album award from Charli XCX, Ghetts, Jordan Rakei, and Ghetts, and Conor Dickinson have all been nominated for two awards each, with RAYE receiving nods in the Most Performed Work and the Best Song Musically and Lyrically categories. Tom Gray, the chair of The Ivors Academy, said: "Everyone knows The Ivors are the most joyful celebration of music making in the calendar. Many of the most talented and creative people on the planet get together to celebrate each other's exceptional originality and craft. "Congratulations to all of the remarkable nominees this year. It's a huge privilege for The Ivors Academy to champion music creation in all its forms." Jade Thirlwall - who is best known for starring in Little Mix, the chart-topping girl group - has been nominated for the Best Contemporary Song accolade for her first solo single, 'Angel of My Dreams'.Elsewhere, Wham! - the pop ground founded by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley in 1981 - have received a nomination for 'Last Christmas', their 1984 hit single. However, Wham! will face competition for the Most Performed Work gong from the likes of Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and Myles the nominees for the Rising Star Award with Amazon Music include Bea and her Business, Liang Lawrence, LULU., Nia Smith and Lola. The award winners will be announced at Grosvenor House in London on May 22. Full list of nominees for The Ivors 2025 with Amazon Music: Best album: Charli XCX - BratGhetts - On Purpose, With PurposeJordan Rakei - The LoopLola Young - This Wasn't Meant For You AnywayBerwyn - Who Am I Best contemporary song: Pa Salieu - AllergyJade - Angel of My DreamsSans Soucis - Circumnavigating GeorgiaGhetts ft Sampha - Double StandardsBashy - How Black Men Lose Their Smile Best song musically and lyrically: Laura Marling - Child of MineRaye - GenesisFontaines DC - In the Modern WorldLola Young - MessyOrla Gartland - Mine Most performed work: Harry Styles - As It WasDua Lipa - HoudiniWham! - Last ChristmasCassö, Raye and D-Block Europe - PradaMyles Smith - Stargazing Rising star: Bea and her BusinessLiang LawrenceLola Smith Best original film score: Fly Me To the Moon - Daniel PembertonHard Truths - Gary YershonKneecap - Michael 'Mickey J' AsanteThe Substance - RaffertieThe Zone of Interest - Mica Levi Best original video game score: Empire of the Ants - Mathieu Alvado and Mark ChoiFarewell North - John KonsolakisFlock - Eli RainsberrySenua's Saga: Hellblade II - David Garcia DiazThe Casting of Frank Stone - Boxed Ape Best television soundtrack: Black Doves - Martin PhippsMary and George - Oliver CoatesRivals - Jack Halama and Natalie HoltTrue Detective: Night Country - Vince PopeUntil I Kill You - Carly Paradis Bang Showbiz
Perth Now
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Lola Young leads Ivor Novello nominations
Lola Young leads the list of nominees for the Ivor Novello Awards. The 24-year-old singer has been nominated for three gongs, including Best Album, Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and the Rising Star Award. Lola released her second studio album, 'This Wasn't Meant for You Anyway', in 2024. But she will face stiff competition for the Best Album award from Charli XCX, Ghetts, Jordan Rakei, and BERWYN. RAYE, Ghetts, and Conor Dickinson have all been nominated for two awards each, with RAYE receiving nods in the Most Performed Work and the Best Song Musically and Lyrically categories. Tom Gray, the chair of The Ivors Academy, said: "Everyone knows The Ivors are the most joyful celebration of music making in the calendar. Many of the most talented and creative people on the planet get together to celebrate each other's exceptional originality and craft. "Congratulations to all of the remarkable nominees this year. It's a huge privilege for The Ivors Academy to champion music creation in all its forms." Jade Thirlwall - who is best known for starring in Little Mix, the chart-topping girl group - has been nominated for the Best Contemporary Song accolade for her first solo single, 'Angel of My Dreams'. Elsewhere, Wham! - the pop ground founded by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley in 1981 - have received a nomination for 'Last Christmas', their 1984 hit single. However, Wham! will face competition for the Most Performed Work gong from the likes of Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and Myles Smith. Meanwhile, the nominees for the Rising Star Award with Amazon Music include Bea and her Business, Liang Lawrence, LULU., Nia Smith and Lola. The award winners will be announced at Grosvenor House in London on May 22. Full list of nominees for The Ivors 2025 with Amazon Music: Best album: Charli XCX - Brat Ghetts - On Purpose, With Purpose Jordan Rakei - The Loop Lola Young - This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway Berwyn - Who Am I Best contemporary song: Pa Salieu - Allergy Jade - Angel of My Dreams Sans Soucis - Circumnavigating Georgia Ghetts ft Sampha - Double Standards Bashy - How Black Men Lose Their Smile Best song musically and lyrically: Laura Marling - Child of Mine Raye - Genesis Fontaines DC - In the Modern World Lola Young - Messy Orla Gartland - Mine Most performed work: Harry Styles - As It Was Dua Lipa - Houdini Wham! - Last Christmas Cassö, Raye and D-Block Europe - Prada Myles Smith - Stargazing Rising star: Bea and her Business Liang Lawrence Lola Young LULU. Nia Smith Best original film score: Fly Me To the Moon - Daniel Pemberton Hard Truths - Gary Yershon Kneecap - Michael 'Mickey J' Asante The Substance - Raffertie The Zone of Interest - Mica Levi Best original video game score: Empire of the Ants - Mathieu Alvado and Mark Choi Farewell North - John Konsolakis Flock - Eli Rainsberry Senua's Saga: Hellblade II - David Garcia Diaz The Casting of Frank Stone - Boxed Ape Best television soundtrack: Black Doves - Martin Phipps Mary and George - Oliver Coates Rivals - Jack Halama and Natalie Holt True Detective: Night Country - Vince Pope Until I Kill You - Carly Paradis
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Ivor Novello Awards 2025: Charli XCX, RAYE and Lola Young lead stars in the running for top prizes as full list of nominations is announced
Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, RAYE and Lola Young lead the stars who have scored nominations at the 2025 Ivor Novello Awards. The prestigious awards ceremony is set to take place next month, for its milestone 70th year, and has announced the full list of nominations, recognising and celebrating achievements in songwriting and screen composing across eight categories. And among them this year is Charli, who is up for the esteemed Best Album gong for the incredibly successful BRAT, after winning the BRIT Award in the category last month. The hyper pop-electronic LP debuted as the 'most critically acclaimed record of the year', bagging Charli nine Grammy nominations and three wins. It also sparked a nationwide trend branded 'Brat Summer', which the singer described as a 'girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes'. She is up against stiff competition from Ghetts' album On Purpose, With Purpose, Lola Young with This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway, BERWYN's WHO AM I and Jordan Rakei's The Loop. In her first year of recognition by The Ivors Academy, breakout star Lola leads the pack with a whopping three nominations. Alongside her nod for Best Album, the 24-year-old is up for the Rising Star prize and Best Song Musically and Lyrically for her viral No. 1 track, Messy. She is competing to be named the 2025 Rising Star against another four female artists - Bea and her Business, Liang Lawrence, LULU. and Nia Smith. Meanwhile, RAYE will be seeking to continue her incredible winning streak, scoring two nominations this year. She was previously nominated for two Ivors in 2022, won the Contemporary Song award in 2023 for her viral hit Escapism and was honoured with the highly-regarded Songwriter of the Year at last year's ceremony. This year sees her competing against Lola for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for her 2024 single Genesis, alongside Child of Mine by Laura Marling, Fontaines D.C.'s In the Modern World and Orla Gartland with Mine. While RAYE's 2023 hit Prada is among the very strong contenders for the Most Performed Work prize, which recognizes the most-played song in the UK. She is up against fierce competition from Dua's Houdini, Stargazing by Myles Smith, and Harry Styles' hit As It Was, which has been in contention for the gong three years in a row, previously winning in 2023. And among them this year is Charli, who is up for the esteemed Best Album gong for the incredibly successful BRAT, after winning the BRIT Award in the category last month (seen) Alongside her nod for Best Album, the 24-year-old is up for the Rising Star prize and Best Song Musically and Lyrically for her viral No. 1 track, Messy (pictured this month) While the late George Michael is also posthumously nominated in the category, with Wham!'s beloved and staple festive hit, Last Christmas - four decades after it was released. Along with RAYE, Ghetts and Conor Dickinson each received two nominations, with Ghetts set to compete for Best Contemporary Song with hit track Double Standards (feat. Sampha). The category also sees Little Mix star Jade Thirlwell land her first nomination as a solo artist for her debut single Angel of My Dreams. While she and Ghetts will also face off against Sans Soucis's Circumnavigating Georgia and How Black Men Lose Their Smile by Bashy and Pa Salieu with Allergy. The Ivors also celebrate composers for film and TV, and up for Best Original Film are Daniel Pemberton with Fly Me to the Moon, Gary Yershon's music to Hard Truths, Michael 'Mickey J' Asante's original score to Kneecap, Raffertie's music to The Substance and Mica Levi's score to The Zone of Interest. In contention for Best Television Soundtrack are Martin Phipps for Black Doves, Oliver Coates' music to Mary & George, Jack Halama and Natalie Holt's soundtrack to Rivals, Vince Pope's score to True Detective: Night Country and Carly Paradis' Until I Kill You. The final category for Best Original Video Game Score sees nods for Mathieu Alvado and Mark Choi's Empire of the Ants, John Konsolakis for Farewell North, Eli Rainsberry's music to Flock, David Garcia Diaz's soundtrack to Senua's Saga: Hellblade II and Boxed Ape's The Casting Of Frank Stone. The ceremony will also see U2 become the latest songwriters bestowed with the most prestigious accolade of Academy Fellows, making Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. the first Irish songwriters that the Academy has inducted into Fellowship in its 81-year history. While other awards presented on the night will be Songwriter of the Year, Outstanding Song Collection, the Visionary Award, the Special International Award, and the Music Icon Award. The winners will be announced at a ceremony held at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday, May 22. Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said: 'Everyone knows The Ivors are the most joyful celebration of music making in the calendar. Many of the most talented and creative people on the planet get together to celebrate each other's exceptional originality and craft. ' Congratulations to all of the remarkable nominees this year. It's a huge privilege for The Ivors Academy to champion music creation in all its forms.' Roberto Neri, Chief Executive of The Ivors Academy, added: 'An Ivor Novello Award holds a unique place in music, as it is judged by fellow songwriters and composers, making it the most respected acknowledgement of creative excellence. 'We are proud to welcome and celebrate the nominees' achievements and look forward to honouring their work at the 70th edition of The Ivors in May.'
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Lola Young leads the nominations for prestigious Ivor Awards
Messy singer Lola is up for three awards, while RAYE, Ghetts and Conor Dickinson picked up two nominations each Lola Young's meteoric rise is showing no signs of slowing down. The Messy singer has just been nominated for three prestigious Ivor awards, the most this year. She's up for Best Album, Rising Star and Best Song Musically and Lyrically. If she wins she'll join a roll of music greats like Adele, Stormzy, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, Paul McCartney and John Lennon. It's a huge moment for the 24-year-old South Londoner, who's been taking the world by storm. So far in 2025, she's bagged a number one with viral hit Messy, was nominated for a Brit Award, performed at that ceremony. Then this month she took to the stage at huge US festival Coachella, where she brushed off a vomiting bug to wow the crowd. RAYE – winner of last year's Songwriter of the Year – Ghetts, and Conor Dickinson all received two Ivor nominations. The Best Album will be battled out between Charli xcx's BRAT, BERWYN's WHO AM I, Ghetts' On Purpose, With Purpose, Jordan Rakei's The Loop and Lola Young's This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway. JADE, Fontaines D.C., Orla Gartland, Myles Smith, Dua Lipa, Pa Salieu and Laura Marling are also nominated. Wham!'s Last Christmas in the running as one of PRS for Music's Top 5 Most Performed Songs of 2024, 21 years after George Michael was nominated in the same category. Celebrating outstanding originality in songwriting, Best Contemporary Song sees a second nomination for Ghetts for Double Standards (feat. Sampha), JADE receives her first nomination as a solo artist with debut single Angel of My Dreams, as does Sans Soucis' Circumnavigating Georgia and Bashy's How Black Men Lose Their Smile. Finally, Pa Salieu is up for recognition with Allergy, four years on from his last nomination in the same category. Best Song Musically and Lyrically acknowledges outstanding song craft. Child of Mine by Laura Marling is recognised, as is RAYE's 2024 single Genesis., Fontaines D.C.'s In the Modern World, Lola Young's UK chart-topping hit Messy, and Orla Gartland receives her first Ivor Novello nomination with Mine. In the PRS for Music Most Performed Work category, the 2022 hit As It Was by Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson is in contention for a third year running, demonstrating the longevity of this release. Last Christmas by Wham! gives George Michael a posthumous Ivor Novello Award nomination, 21 years since he was nominated in this category for Amazing. Also in the running are Houdini by Dua Lipa, Stargazing by Myles Smith, and Prada by Cassö, RAYE and D-Block Europe. The Rising Star Award with Amazon Music celebrates British, Irish or UK resident songwriters aged 18-24 who are at the tipping point of greatness. Each nominee receives year-long, tailored support for their creativity and career from Amazon Music and The Ivors Academy, with 2023's Rising Star Victoria Canal going on to win the Ivor Novello for Best Song Musically and Lyrically last year. The 2025 nominations celebrate five female rising stars: Bea and her Business, Liang Lawrence, LULU., Nia Smith and Lola Young – who earns her third nomination this year. The Ivors 2025 with Amazon Music recognises and celebrates songwriting and screen composing. Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy, said: 'Everyone knows The Ivors are the most joyful celebration of music making in the calendar. Many of the most talented and creative people on the planet get together to celebrate each other's exceptional originality and craft. Congratulations to all of the remarkable nominees this year. It's a huge privilege for The Ivors Academy to champion music creation in all its forms.' Roberto Neri, Chief Executive of The Ivors Academy, said: 'An Ivor Novello Award holds a unique place in music, as it is judged by fellow songwriters and composers, making it the most respected acknowledgement of creative excellence. We are proud to welcome and celebrate the nominees' achievements and look forward to honouring their work at the 70th edition of The Ivors in May.' This year marks the 70th year of the prestigious awards, with the winners revealed on May 22 at Grosvenor House, London.
