Stormzy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stormzy
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Stormzy performing in 2022
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Michael Ebenezer Kwadwo Omari Owuo Jr.
26 July 1993 London, England
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| Years active | 2010–present |
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| Awards | Full list |
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| Origin | Norbury, London, England |
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Michael Ebenezer Kwadwo Omari Owuo Jr. (born 26 July 1993), known as Stormzy, is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter. He became famous in 2014 for his Wicked Skengman freestyles, which are rap songs made up on the spot.
His song "Shut Up" became very popular. It reached number eight on the UK music charts after he asked his fans to help it become the Christmas number one song. Stormzy won the Best Grime Act award at the MOBO Awards in both 2014 and 2015.
In 2017, his first album, Gang Signs & Prayer, made history. It was the first grime album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart. In 2019, Stormzy had his first UK number-one song with "Vossi Bop". He also became the first black British rapper to headline the Glastonbury Festival. At Glastonbury, he wore a special vest designed by the artist Banksy. This vest was a message about the increase in knife crime in London.
His second album, Heavy Is the Head, came out in 2019. In 2022, he released the song "Mel Made Me Do It" with a long music video featuring many famous people. His third album, This Is What I Mean, was released in November 2022.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michael Ebenezer Kwadwo Omari Owuo Jr. was born on 26 July 1993 in Croydon, London. His mother is from Ghana. He grew up in South Norwood, London, with his mother and siblings.
Stormzy started rapping when he was 11 years old. He would often rap battle older rappers at his local youth club. He has said that he was a "naughty child" in school but did well in exams. He got good grades in his GCSEs. After school, he worked for two years at an oil refinery.
Music Career Highlights
Early Success and First Album
Stormzy first became known in the UK underground music scene. He released his first music collection, Dreamers Disease, in 2014. In October 2014, he won Best Grime Act at the MOBO Awards. He was also the first rapper without a record label to perform on the TV show Later... with Jools Holland.
In 2015, his song "Know Me From" entered the UK Singles Chart. Later that year, his freestyle song "Shut Up" became very popular. It reached number 8 on the UK chart. This happened after he performed it during boxer Anthony Joshua's ring-walk. Stormzy then started a campaign to make it the Christmas number one song.
After a break from social media, Stormzy returned in 2017. He announced his first album, Gang Signs & Prayer. The album was released on 24 February 2017. It went straight to number one on the UK Albums Chart.
Glastonbury and Second Album
Stormzy made history by headlining the 2019 Glastonbury Festival. He was the first black British rapper to perform as the main act on the Pyramid Stage. His performance included a speech about fairness in the justice system. He also wore a Union Jack stab vest designed by the artist Banksy. This was a powerful statement about the rise in knife crime in London.
Stormzy has had four number-one songs on the UK Singles Chart. These include "Vossi Bop", "Own It" (with Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran), and "Take Me Back to London" (with Ed Sheeran). He released his second album, Heavy Is the Head, in December 2019.
In the 2020 video game Watch Dogs: Legion, Stormzy appears as himself. He has a mission where his song "Rainfall" is featured. In 2020, he was named one of the most influential Black Britons. His album Heavy is the Head was nominated for the Mercury Prize. In 2021, he was ranked as the third most influential Black Briton for his work against unfairness and his charity donations. He promised to donate £10 million to charities over 10 years.
Recent Music
On 23 September 2022, Stormzy released "Mel Made Me Do It". The music video for this song featured many famous people, including Usain Bolt. He announced his third album, This Is What I Mean, which was recorded on Osea Island. It was released on 25 November 2022. The first song from this album was "Hide & Seek".
In 2023, Stormzy released "Toxic Trait" with Fredo. He also released "The Weekend" with Raye.
Music Style
Stormzy says he is a "child of grime music." He was influenced by grime artists like Lethal Bizzle. However, he also likes R&B singers such as Frank Ocean and Lauryn Hill. These artists have also influenced his sound.
Helping Others
Political Activism
Stormzy has spoken out about political issues. In 2016, he supported Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. He admired Corbyn's work to help people.
At the Glastonbury Festival in 2017, Stormzy led a chant for Jeremy Corbyn. He also performed a rap about the Grenfell Tower fire victims. He asked the audience to demand that the government be held responsible. In 2018, at the Brit Awards, he again spoke out about the Grenfell Tower fire.
In 2019, Stormzy continued to support Jeremy Corbyn. He said that change led by people could happen with a Labour government. After the George Floyd protests, Stormzy promised to donate £1 million each year for 10 years. These donations will go to charities and groups fighting racial inequality and supporting black empowerment in the United Kingdom. He said this pledge is to help "even the field" for Black people.
Scholarships and Programs
Stormzy has created the "Stormzy Scholarship for Black UK Students" at the University of Cambridge. This scholarship helps pay for tuition and living costs for students. In 2022, he received an honorary degree from the University of Exeter. This was to recognize his work in promoting education and fighting racial inequality.
In 2022, Stormzy announced a program called "#Merky FC" with Adidas and other brands. This program aims to help young Black people aged 18-24 get paid jobs in the football industry. It offers long-term placements at companies like Manchester United and Sky Sports.
Publishing Books
In 2018, Stormzy partnered with Penguin Random House to create a new book publishing company called #Merky Books. The first book released was Stormzy's own book, Rise Up. #Merky Books also publishes books by new writers. They have an annual prize for young, unpublished writers from across the UK. This prize helps new voices tell their stories.
Personal Life
Stormzy is a Christian. In 2019, he read a passage from the Gospel of Luke on BBC's Christmas Day lineup.
Discography
Studio albums
- Gang Signs & Prayer (2017)
- Heavy Is the Head (2019)
- This Is What I Mean (2022)
Film and TV Appearances
Stormzy has appeared in films and TV shows.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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| 2016 | Brotherhood | Yardz | Credited as Michael "Stormzy" Omari |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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| 2017 | Chewing Gum | ||
| 2020 | Noughts + Crosses | Kolawale | Season 1, Episode 6 |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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| 2020 | Watch Dogs: Legion | Himself |
Tours
- Gang Signs & Prayers Tour (2017)
- Heavy Is the Head Tour (2020–2022)
See also
In Spanish: Stormzy para niños
