50 Facts About Stormzy

Early Life and Background

Stormzy, born Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., has a fascinating background that shaped his music career.

1. Born on July 26, 1993, in Croydon, London, Stormzy grew up in South Norwood.
2. His parents are of Ghanaian descent, which influenced his cultural upbringing.
3. Stormzy attended Harris Academy South Norwood, where he excelled academically.
4. He started rapping at the age of 11, showing early signs of his talent.
5. Before his music career took off, he worked in quality assurance at an oil refinery.

Rise to Fame

Stormzy's journey to stardom is a testament to his hard work and unique talent.

6. He gained initial recognition through his Wicked Skengman series on YouTube.
7. In 2014, he won Best Grime Act at the MOBO Awards, a significant milestone.
8. His single "Shut Up" became a viral hit, peaking at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.
9. Stormzy's debut album, "Gang Signs & Prayer," released in 2017, topped the UK Albums Chart.
10. He became the first grime artist to headline Glastonbury Festival in 2019.

Musical Style and Influences

Stormzy's music is a blend of various styles and influences, making it unique and relatable.

11. His music primarily falls under grime, a genre of electronic dance music.
12. He cites Wiley, Skepta, and Dizzee Rascal as major influences.
13. Stormzy often incorporates gospel elements into his music, reflecting his Christian faith.
14. His lyrics frequently address social and political issues, resonating with many listeners.
15. He is known for his powerful delivery and thought-provoking lyrics.

Awards and Achievements

Stormzy's talent has earned him numerous awards and accolades.

16. He won the Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist in 2018.
17. "Gang Signs & Prayer" won the Brit Award for British Album of the Year in 2018.
18. Stormzy received the Global Award for Best R&B, Hip Hop, or Grime in 2020.
19. He was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.
20. His song "Vossi Bop" won Best British Single at the Brit Awards in 2020.

Philanthropy and Activism

Stormzy is not just a musician; he is also a dedicated philanthropist and activist.

21. He launched the #Merky Books imprint with Penguin Random House to promote diverse voices.
22. Stormzy pledged £10 million over 10 years to support Black British causes.
23. He established the Stormzy Scholarship for Black students at the University of Cambridge.
24. He has been vocal about issues like racial inequality and police brutality.
25. Stormzy donated £500,000 to fund educational scholarships for disadvantaged students.

Personal Life

Despite his fame, Stormzy keeps his personal life relatively private.

26. He was in a high-profile relationship with TV and radio presenter Maya Jama.
27. Stormzy is a devout Christian and often speaks about his faith.
28. He enjoys reading and has a particular interest in history.
29. Stormzy is an avid supporter of Manchester United Football Club.
30. He has a close-knit group of friends who have supported him throughout his career.

Business Ventures

Stormzy has ventured into various business endeavors, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

31. He launched his own record label, #Merky Records, in 2018.
32. Stormzy collaborated with Adidas to release a clothing line.
33. He has invested in several tech startups, supporting innovation and diversity.
34. Stormzy's #Merky Festival in Ibiza has become a popular annual event.
35. He has partnered with various brands, including Beats by Dre and Penguin Random House.

Cultural Impact

Stormzy's influence extends beyond music, impacting culture and society.

36. He was featured on the cover of Time magazine's "Next Generation Leaders" issue.
37. Stormzy's performance at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival included a powerful message about racial inequality.
38. He has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
39. Stormzy's music has been used in various films and TV shows, broadening his reach.
40. He has inspired a new generation of grime artists and musicians.

Fun Facts

Here are some lesser-known facts about Stormzy that might surprise you.

41. He once appeared on the popular UK TV show "Love Island" as a guest.
42. Stormzy has a cameo in the video game "Watch Dogs: Legion."
43. He is a big fan of the anime series "Naruto."
44. Stormzy's favorite food is jollof rice, a popular West African dish.
45. He has a tattoo of his mother's name on his arm.

Future Plans

Stormzy continues to evolve as an artist and has exciting plans for the future.

46. He is working on his third studio album, expected to be released soon.
47. Stormzy plans to expand his #Merky Books imprint to include more genres.
48. He aims to increase his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education.
49. Stormzy is exploring opportunities in film and television production.
50. He hopes to inspire and mentor young artists, helping them navigate the music industry.

Stormzy's Impact on Music and Culture

Stormzy's rise to fame isn't just about catchy tunes. His influence stretches beyond music, touching on social issues, education, and representation. From his chart-topping albums to his activism, Stormzy has become a voice for the underrepresented. His scholarships for Black students at Cambridge University show his commitment to education and equality.

Stormzy's performances, like his historic Glastonbury set, highlight his ability to captivate audiences worldwide. His lyrics often address real-life struggles, making his music relatable and powerful.

By supporting emerging artists and speaking out on important issues, Stormzy has cemented his place as a cultural icon. His journey from South London to global stardom inspires many, proving that talent combined with purpose can create lasting change.

Stormzy's legacy continues to grow, influencing future generations and reshaping the music industry.