So by now you should be more than familiar with this guy. His name is Stormzy, Big Mike, Stiff Chocolate, and is also known as The Problem.
And last night his career reached new heights when he headlined Glastonbury, making him the first black British solo act and the second-youngest artist to do so in the festival’s entire history.
His performance was nothing short of amazing, and if you don’t believe me, check out some of the rave reviews.
Tonight @Stormzy made history by being the first black solo British headliner at Glastonbury. The performance was political, iconic and the ballet was beautifully powerful. It won't just go down in Glastonbury history - it'll go down in our country's cultural history. #Glasto2019
#Stormzy’s performance was phe-fucking-nomenial. From allowing us to be privy to an important conversation he had with Jay Z, shouting out his peers, giving an apotheosise to Black British culture & being unapologetic about what he believes all through the music & visuals! Wow!
Stormzy: - At 25 is the second youngest solo artist to headline Glastonbury (Bowie was 24 in 1971) - Arrives on stage in a Union Jack stab vest - Tells Boris Johnson to suck his mum - Has black ballet dancers on stage - Duets with Chris Martin Just wow. #Glastonbury2019
But beyond just being amazing, the set was an ode to being black and British. It was a true cultural journey for the estimated 135,000 music lovers in attendance. So let’s recap.
For his opening, the 25-year-old rapper gave the audience a glimpse into a private conversation he’d had with — no big deal — Jay-Z. Jay, like Stormzy, received a fair share of scepticism and critique when he was announced as the festival’s first rap headliner in 2008.
WHAT. A. MOMENT. How @Stormzy made his #Glastonbury2019 entrance, with some words of advice from Jay Z. 🙌🔥
During the exchange, Jay told the south London rapper to consider his show as a moment to “create a culture”.
The video of Jay Z telling our @stormzy how he’s about to shape culture by being the first black British artist to headline Glastonbury is the perfect introduction to one of the most iconic & relevant performances of our time.
“It’s important for you to take that and say, ‘Okay, how can I create a culture around this whole thing?’ Because culture moves the world,” advised the 49-year-old rapper, before assuring Stormzy the world was “ready”.
He added: “Point is, the world is ready for it, so when you step on that stage you’re going to see it because they’re really ready. That’s culture, that’s culture. You gotta show up and be you. That’s done.”
Emerging onstage, the south London rapper rocked a black Union Jack stab-proof vest.
He also brought out Raleigh Ritchie, better known as Grey Worm to Game of Thrones fans, who featured on Stormzy’s debut album Gang Signs & Prayer.
This man is an icon. Full stop. Made history. Fucking star! You won at life tonight brother. Proud isn’t the word. It was an honour to be a part of such a special moment. Incredible. @stormzy you’re the guy. 👑🌟🙌🏽
Ritchie sang the verse of their collaboration “Don’t Cry for Me” while black ballet dancers delivered a moving performance. There was also a brief history of how, once upon a time, black ballet dancers had to effectively dye their ballet slippers to match their skin colour.
No words 🖤 Thank you, @stormzy for your generosity and @RaleighRitchie for your beautiful performance. Dancers: @Cirabesque & #MthuthuzeliNovember Choreography: #MthuthuzeliNovember #glastonburyfestival2019 #Merky #BalletBlack
Then Coldplay frontman Chris Martin came out and played the keyboard and harmonised with Stormzy as the pair serenaded the crowd with “Blinded by Your Grace — Part 1.”
Chris Martin of @coldplay joins Big Mike on the main stage 👀 Watch @Stormzy LIVE on @BBCiPlayer and 👂🏾 on @BBCSounds ➡ https://t.co/6o6CuHO4lR #BBCGlasto
Stormzy also got political. In one moment, he encouraged the audience to send a very strong message to Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to succeed Theresa May as prime minister.
Stormzy really got 100,000 people to scream Fuck Boris on The BBC then got a wheel up😭😭😭 #glastonburyfestival2019
Stormzy also shared the stage with 10-year-old award-winning dancer Princess K, who went toe to toe with the rapper and nearly stole the show.
TEACHER on Monday: Why are you late? PRINCESS K:... #Glasto2019 #Stormzy
Stormzy then addressed the racial disparity in the criminal justice system with the help of Tottenham MP David Lammy.
✊🏿👊🏿 @stormzy using his headline spot at #glastonburyfestival2019 to speak out about the injustice of young black kids being criminalised in a biased and disproportionate justice system. Humbled and inspired that he sampled my speech. Salute #Merky
Stormzy headlining Glasto sampling @DavidLammy on racial disproportionality in the criminal justice system. Wow. Talk about using a platform to give voice to those who are maligned and ignored because of their race and class.
Other guest appearances included artists Dave and Fredo who performed their No. 1 single “Funky Friday”.
Stormzy x Dave x Fredo At Glastonbury 🤝🏽 #glastonburyfestival2019
...look at Stormzy bringing out the talent like Dave so they too can have their Glastonbury moment. Look at letting others have their time to shine too. Love it #stormzy #glasto
Before concluding his epic performance, the headliner acknowledged a roster of fellow artists, including pioneers such as Skepta and Dizzee Rascal to present-day stars like Ms Banks, Kojey Radical, and Yxng Bane. It’s estimated that he managed to name-check 65 other black British artists on the largest festival stage in the world.
.@stormzy's not forgetting anyone that's paved the way for him and those making the scene so great right now 🔥 A shoutout to 65 artists in total 🙌 #Glastonburyfestival2019 #Glastonbury2019
And no Stormzy show would be complete without giving it up for the big man upstairs (God), flanked by a gospel choir, so the rapper didn’t hold back when it came to celebrating his Christian faith.
Let’s deep Stormzy brought praise and worship to Glastonbury, he DID that
So, all in all, we raise our glass to you, Stormzy!
