Stormzy ‘honoured’ to win 2019 GQ Award for solo artist of the year

Stormzy said it was an “honour” to win the solo artist of the year award at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards as he thought the magazine was “top dollar” when he was growing up.

The 26-year-old, real name Michael Omari Owuo Jr, took to the stage to collect his award last night at the event held at  London’s Tate Modern.

“I was GQ Solo Artist Of The Year in 2017 and it’s always an honour for me, growing up GQ was top dollar, you know what I mean? This is an honour. Thank you to the whole Merky team, I love you guys,” he said during his acceptance speech.

Before leaving the stage he added: “GQ man of the f****** year, come on!”

Stormzy took home the prize for solo artist of the year for the second year, this time presented by former British Vogue cover star Adwoa Aboah.

During his first acceptance speech in 2017, the grime rapper, now 26, took aim at then-prime minister Theresa May, labelling her “a paigon.” 

This year’s glamorous awards ceremony also honoured the likes of Richard Madden and Taron Egerton.

Andrew Scott, dubbed Fleabag’s Hot Priest, was awarded the gong for standout performance of the year, collecting it from the tragicomic series’ creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Actress of the year went to Nicole Kidman and was presented by Elle Fanning, the 21-year-old younger sister of Dakota Fanning.

Sir Ian McKellen, who is continuing his 80th anniversary tour of the UK, was handed the legend of the year award by Stephen Fry.

The Inspiration award went to the England women’s football team.

As was previously announced, David Beckham received the editor’s special honour from GQ’s Dylan Jones.

The game-changer of the year award went to Greta Thunberg, as previously announced.

The gong was created especially for the 16-year-old climate change campaigner, who has inspired students across Europe to skip school and call for action from world leaders.

Shotgun singer George Ezra secured the gong for live act of the year, while rapper Dave received the prize for breakthrough music act of the year.

Radio DJ Greg James handed the award for sportsmen of the year to the England one-day cricket team following their World Cup heroics.

Other stars to win on the night included Kylie Minogue with the icon of the year prize, Rory Stewart with the politician of the year gong and Chinese activist Ai Weiwei with the artist of the year accolade. 

The 1975 took home the prize for band of the year, while Iggy Pop received the lifetime achievement award.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.