STORMZY BREEZES THROUGH BLIGHTY

U.K. independent grime artist Stormzy, who performed with Ed Sheeran at the BRIT Awards last week (and was snubbed of an honour himself), is seeing huge numbers for his debut, which was released on Friday.

Gang Signs & Prayer has outsold the albums sitting between #3 and #19 on the Official Chart combined, and an unprecedented 10 of its songs are in Spotify’s U.K. Top 50 chart. Adele,Lily Allen and Sheeran have all publicly stated their support.

Stormzy's remix of Sheeran’s “Shape of You” is #1 on iTunes, and Gang Signs & Prayer is #1 on the iTunes album chart. The record is self-released, with distribution going via Warner’s ADA (helmed by Dan Chalmers). Young exec Tobe Onwuka is management.

The U.K. music market is turning a corner this year—both inside and outside the traditional structures. Stay tuned for the Official midweek numbers. And for further reading, check out this interesting profile of the artist here.