Stories and facts

Stormzy, born Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr. in Croydon, London, has built a powerful legacy in British music as a rapper, singer, and songwriter.

He first gained attention in 2014 with his Wicked Skengman freestyles and later broke into the mainstream with “Shut Up,” a viral YouTube freestyle that climbed the UK charts.

His debut album Gang Signs & Prayer made history as the first grime album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart and went on to win British Album of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards.

With multiple MOBO awards and a historic headline performance at Glastonbury, where he used his platform to highlight social issues, Stormzy has carved out a place as one of the most influential figures in modern British music.

Beyond his musical achievements, Stormzy has carved a path as a passionate advocate for social justice and education.

He has used his voice to speak out against inequality and support underrepresented communities, including the launch of the Stormzy Scholarship for Black UK Students at the University of Cambridge.

Through albums like Heavy Is the Head and This Is What I Mean, he continues to evolve artistically while remaining committed to creating positive change.

His journey reflects the transformative power of music paired with purpose, making him not just a chart-topping artist, but a cultural icon and advocate.

Explore the life of Stormzy below.