Stormzy has declared grime to be “taking its rightful place on the main stage” while performing at V Festival.
-
Exclusive NME offer: Save £10 on Amazon Music Unlimited plans with code NME10
The MC, who released his debut album ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’ earlier this year, was performing third from the top of the bill at the twin festivals in Chelmsford and Staffordshire this weekend (August 19-20).
Playing before Ellie Goulding and Jay-Z, both of whom were reportedly watching from the wings, the Croydon musician told the crowd he had “been waiting all year for V Festival.”
He added: “Today shows that grime is taking its rightful place on the main stage.”
Still feeling blessed, still blinded by his grace. V Festival 2017, thank you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Jt4SrTOjOJ
— #MERKY (@stormzy) August 19, 2017
Following yesterday’s performance at the Staffordshire leg of the event, Stormzy tweeted a photo of himself on stage, backed by a choir dressed in white gowns. He captioned the picture: “Still feeling blessed, still blinded by his grace. V Festival 2017, thank you.”
Jay Z x Linkin Park #vfestival #westonpark pic.twitter.com/QXSLYbHmwk
— Frankie Ion (@LDNFrank) August 19, 2017
Meanwhile, Jay-Z used his headline set last night to pay tribute to the late Chester Bennington.
The rapper concluded his set with a performance of the ‘Collision Course’ track ‘Numb/Encore’ – which mixes his 2003 single ‘Encore’ with Linkin Park’s ‘Numb’ – which prominently features vocals by Bennington. According to Setlist.fm, Jay has not performed ‘Number / Encore’ live since 2011.