British rapper of Gambian descent J Hus won the Male Solo Artist Award at the 2021 BRIT Awards (BRITs) held at the O2 Arena in London.
The awards platform, which is the British Phonographic Industry’s annual celebration of popular music, was first held in 1977 and was moved from February to May due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Afro-swing pioneer edged AJ Tracey, Headie One, Joel Corry and Yungblud to win his first BRIT Award. He was last nominated at the 2018 BRITs in three categories including British Album of the Year, Best Single of the Year and British Breakthrough Act.
DJ Semtex, accepting the award on behalf of an absent J Hus, described the rapper as “an incredible artist” and “one of the greatest.”
The English DJ, author, radio DJ and podcast host continued: “He makes music that makes our days a little bit easier, our lives a little bit easier. If he was here tonight, I know he would want to big up his family, friends, team and all the fans who have been with him from day one.”
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J Hus was born Momodou Lamin Jallow in London and raised by his mother who moved to England when she was 25 years old. He is behind two studio albums, namely 2017’s Common Sense and 2020’s Big Conspiracy. He is also popular for singles including ‘Friendy’ and ‘Did You See’.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Afro-fusion star Burna Boy lost in the International Male Solo Artist category to Canadian singer The Weeknd. Taylor Swift won the Global Icon Award, while English singer and songwriter Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia picked up the Mastercard Album Award.
By Bakary Ceesay