Maya Jama leads tribute to boyfriend Stormzy after rapper is hailed for ‘iconic’ performance at Glastonbury

Maya Jama led the praise for Stormzy as the London-born rapper was hailed by musicians and politicians for his historic Glastonbury performance.

The Croydon-born grime artist, 25, took to the stage in a stab vest embellished with a Union Jack as he became the first black British solo artist to headline the famous festival. 

Jama, a TV presenter and Radio 1 DJ who is dating Stormzy, tweeted after his set: “ICONICCCCCCCC.”

She was joined by Adele, Ed Sheeran and Drake, who also praised his performance on the Pyramid Stage as a huge moment for British rap. 

Politicians also shared their congratulations, with David Lammy, Labour MP for Tottenham, celebrating the artist after he sampled a speech that Mr Lammy had given about black men and the justice system.

Alongside the speech, Stormzy flashed crime statistics on the video screens.

Mr Lammy tweeted: “@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.”

Also giving praise was Adele, who wrote on Instagram: “I have love in abundance for this strong, sweet and honest man.

“I’m so proud of him, Stormzy just monumentally headlined Glastonbury in his own right with one album!

“The first Grime artist ever to do so, you respected everyone that opened the door for you whilst opening a huge one yourself.

“You and your team are all so good, hard working and beautiful and deserve everything that comes your way. Its been a joy to watch you unfold at lightning speed with absolute grace.

“It’s actually crazy what you’ve done in less than 3 years, well done darling x”.

She added: “Well done Emily Eavis too, Glasto couldn’t be in a better pair of hands!”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also said the performance would “go down in our country’s cultural history”.

He said: “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.”

Sheeran said Stormzy, real name Michael Omari, was “an inspiration to many”.

Alongside a picture of the rapper on stage, he wrote: “First black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury, second youngest to ever headline, and just an inspiration to so many.

“This is just the start, congrats big Mike, looking forward to see you do more achievements like this”

Writing on his Instagram story, Canadian rapper Drake, himself a fan of the British grime scene, said: “@Stormzy headlining Glastonbury and that. Madness congrats.”

Alongside a picture of Stormzy, Tottenham-born rapper Wretch 32 tweeted: “Champions league the league of champions.”

Hip-hop star Konan, another from the London grime scene, said: “This crazy man the feeling I have in my chest right now watching this I have to watch this again.”

Grime star Giggs shared a picture of Stormzy’s performance to Instagram.

The show opened with an introductory video of Jay-Z giving Stormzy advice for his history-making Glastonbury set, telling him to use the moment to change culture, and inspire future generations of black children.

The star later invited a classically-trained dancer on stage, as well as BMX riders. 

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and Dave and Fredo also joined Stormzy on stage.