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Skepta Wins Songwriter of the Year and Best Contemporary Song at The Ivor Novello Awards

May 18, 2017

Pioneering grime artist Skepta has been named Songwriter of the Year at the prestigious Ivor Novello Awards, held today in London. The Warner/Chappell Music UK songwriter collected the prize in recognition of his acclaimed masterpiece, Konnichiwa. This is the latest in a string of accolades for Skepta’s landmark album, including the 2016 Mercury Prize. In addition, his hit single “Man” was named Best Contemporary Song.

Other winning songwriters represented by Warner/Chappell were Michael Kiwanuka for Best Song Musically & Lyrically with “Black Man in a White World” and Dario Marianelli for Best Original Film Score with Kubo and the Two Strings.

Jon Platt, Chairman & CEO of Warner/Chappell, said: “Skepta is a groundbreaking songwriter, and we’re thrilled to see his exceptional talent acknowledged with two of The Ivors’ biggest honors. This is also a great moment for Amber Davis, the A&R executive who had the vision to support the grime community very early on, and bring many of its leading lights to Warner/Chappell.”

He added, “I’d also like to congratulate the amazing Michael Kiwanuka and Dario Marianelli on this wonderful recognition of their gifted songwriting. Mike Smith and the whole UK team are doing fantastic work on behalf of our songwriters, and the diversity of these awards underscores our songwriters’ strength across all genres.”

Mike Smith, Managing Director of Warner/Chappell UK, said: “I’m so proud that Skepta has been named Songwriter of the Year at The Ivors. It’s well-deserved recognition for an artist and songwriter who spearheaded the development of the grime scene and marks a significant coming of age for the most exciting genre of music in Britain today. I also congratulate Michael Kiwanuka and Dario Marianelli who’ve been recognised today for their amazing talent.”

Warner/Chappell UK works with a number of leading British urban songwriters including Dave, Dyo, MNEK, Skepta, Steel Banglez, Stormzy and many more. The Ivor Novello Awards celebrate, honour and reward excellence in songwriting and composing. They were created by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) in 1956. The award winners are decided by juries made up entirely of composers and songwriters.