Music
19 Sep 02

Biff! Bang! Pow!

21-year old London MC Ms Dynamite scoops the 2002 Mercury Music Prize

Ms Dynamite, real name Niomi Daley, has become the first solo black female to win the UK's Mercury Music Prize.

The 21-year-old singer and MC beat a formidable shortlist, including bookies' favourites The Streets and The Coral as well as critics' hunches Roots Manuva and our own Gemma Hayes, to win the $20,000 cash prize with her debut album A Little Deeper.

As is increasingly customary with the Mercury, Ms Dynamite is giving the twenty grand to charity. As of last night, she had not yet decided which one. "I'll have a think about that," she told reporters. "People that need it."

After a stint as an MC and DJ on a London pirate, Ms Dynamite first came to prominence MCing on a So Solid Crew track. In addition to the Mercury, she's up for six awards at next month's MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards, including Best Album.

Gemma Hayes, the only Irish nominee, was not reachable for comment as she is filming for television today. Her Irish tour continues with dates in Solas, Drogheda (Thurs 19th), The Spirit Store, Dundalk (20th) and the Nerve Centre, Derry (21st) before she heads to the UK.

Last year's Mercury Prize was won by PJ Harvey for her LP Songs From the City, Songs From The Sea.

Here's the 2002 shortlist in full...

Beverley Knight - Who I Am

The Bees - Sunshine Hit Me

The Coral - The Coral

David Bowie - Heathen

Doves - The Last Broadcast

The Electric Soft Parade - Holes In The Wall

Gemma Hayes - Night On My Side

Guy Barker - Soundtrack

Joanna MacGregor - Play

Ms Dynamite - A Little Deeper