Jeremy Corbyn has said that he thinks Stormzy‘s headline Glastonbury slot will “go down in our country’s cultural history.”
The ‘Vossi Bop’ hitmaker took to the Pyramid Stage tonight (June 28) as the first British rapper to ever headline the festival. Earlier today he tweeted that he was “overwhelmed with emotions” about being the first black British artist to top the bill.
He wrote: “I am the first black British artist to headline Glastonbury. At 25 years old I am the second youngest solo act to ever headline Glastonbury, the youngest being a 24 year old David Bowie in 1971. I’m overwhelmed with emotions, this is the most surreal feeling I’ve ever experienced.”
Once the explosive headlining performance that included a pep talk from Jay-Z and a collaboration with Coldplay’s Chris Martin was over, various high-profile figures took to social media to share their thoughts.
“Tonight @Stormzy made history by being the first black solo British headliner at Glastonbury,” Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said. “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.”
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 pic.twitter.com/pmRt5OuqBI
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 28, 2019
Labour Party politician David Lammy praised Stormzy for using his headline slot to speak out about “the injustice of young black kids being criminalised in a biased and disproportionate justice system.”
✊??? @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 pic.twitter.com/iSG3PMssrd
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 28, 2019
Take a look at some of the other tributes below:
God bless Stormzy and long live the culture the ones before and the ones after this is a moment for everyone who laid a brick to help build our house.
— GHETTS (@THEREALGHETTS) June 28, 2019
Stormzy the great
— SANTAN (@Santandave1) June 28, 2019
We are all proud… every single one of us @stormzy ? pic.twitter.com/N5CVC6gMm3
— REVENGE IS SWEET OUT NOW (@kreptplaydirty) June 28, 2019
Stormzy the young king yes man ???♥️
— aj tracey (@ajtracey) June 28, 2019
Champions league the league of champions @stormzy ? pic.twitter.com/IW35XwLF6F
— Upon Reflection (@Wretch32) June 28, 2019
This crazy man the feeling I have in my chest right now watching this I have to watch this again @stormzy you fucking badman so proud of bro ?
— REVENGE IS SWEET OUT NOW (@konanplaydirty) June 28, 2019
How can I be here just watching @stormzy shut it down, just for him to say my name on stage, if I cry ? Hailed up the people before and after him, what a legend. ?❤️
— Ms Banks (@MsBanks) June 28, 2019
Seeing Dave tell Stormzy he loves him was wicked to see. Another brudda from the hood showing love to another brudda from the hood. The streets need to see more of that ❤️ #Glastonbury19
— GUVNA B (@GuvnaB) June 28, 2019
Really proud of @stormzy tonight.Elevating his scene to new heights at Glastonbury tonight
— Trevor Nelson (@DJTrevorNelson) June 28, 2019
BIG UP @stormzy FOR THE SHOUT OUT CUZZ MY FUCKING G
— Big Zuu (@ItsBigZuu) June 28, 2019
Big up @stormzy mad proud man just made history ❤️
— IG: IMLADYLESHURR (@LadyLeshurr) June 28, 2019
Wow. @stormzy you were made for this. Everyone loves you. That performance was incredible. You are incredible. You made history!! What a moment we just witnessed!!!!!!!!
— ANNE-MARIE (@AnneMarie) June 28, 2019
The mandem doing glasto @stormzy @Santandave1 @fredo mad inspiring
— REVENGE IS SWEET OUT NOW (@konanplaydirty) June 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/YungenPlayDirty/status/1144736611361533957
Stormzy is the chosen one ??
— Rapman (@RealRapman) June 28, 2019
Levels… shouts Stormzy! God is good ???
— Tinchy Stryder (@TinchyStryder) June 28, 2019
God bless @stormzy
— T WAYNE 9 (@TIONWAYNE) June 28, 2019
Stormzy got tens of thousands of people shouting ‘fuck the government, fuck Boris’ live on the BBC. I am witnessing history in the making.
— George Aylett ? (@GeorgeAylett) June 28, 2019
Big up king @stormzy ??
— DJSemtex (@DJSemtex) June 28, 2019
Ahead of his Glastonbury performance, Stormzy had hit back at doubters over his ability to headline the festival. He told BBC Radio 1 Xtra: “There were so many doubters being like, ‘Oh, he hasn’t had a No 1 song’, or, ‘Oh, he’s got one album out, he’s not ready.’ I’m there because I’m a serious musician.”
Last week, Stormzy released new song, ‘Crown’, a melodic new track backed by a seven-piece choir.
The single is produced by MJ Cole and Jimmy Napes, who co-wrote the track with Stormzy, and it includes vocals by the UK-based choir LJ Singers.