‘Don’t use diversity as a buzzword’: Stormzy calls for positive action in AIM Awards acceptance speech-Cydney Yeates-Entertainment – Metro

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Stormzy has pleaded for diversity to no longer be used as a ‘buzzword’ or ‘a box to tick’ in his acceptance speech at the Association of Independent (AIM) Music Awards 2022.

The Vossi Bop rapper was among the winners at this year’s ceremony in London on Wednesday night, taking home the diversity champion award.

Speaking in a pre-recorded acceptance speech, Stormzy said: ‘I encourage everyone in the room today to not just use diversity as a buzzword, but for you lot, whatever position you’re in, whatever role you play, to really be a driving factor for it and not just see it as a quota or as a box to tick.

‘Really see the worth and the value in being diverse. Thank you to the AIM Awards and God be the glory.’

The 29-year-old grime artist has used his platform to try to level the playing field in the music industry and beyond through his charity #Merky Foundation and #Merky Books, a collaboration with publisher Penguin Random House.

Elsewhere at the awards, fellow rapper Lethal Bizzle picked up the outstanding contribution to music gong and also performed during the ceremony at London’s Roundhouse.

Stormzy is calling for change when it comes to diversity (Picture: Supplied)

The Vossi Bop rapper took home the diversity champion award (Picture: Supplied)

Stormzy wants people to see the worth and the value of being diverse (Picture: Getty)

Wet Leg – compromising of Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers – were awarded the award for UK independent breakthrough, while Nova Twins – made up of Amy Love and Georgia South – secured the award for best independent track for Antagonist.

The Libertines received special recognition for their influence on guitar music, and the band’s record label Rough Trade Records was also recognised, receiving the award for best independent label.

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British singer-songwriter Cleo Sol took home best independent album for her second studio album Mother, and Nilufer Yanya won the award for best second album for her release Painless.

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