Pa Salieu Wins BBC Sound Of 2021

Clash

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He comes out on top...

Insurgent UK rap force *Pa Salieu* has won BBC Sound Of 2021.

The poll is one of the music industry's key platforms for new music, and works through the contributions of more than 160 industry experts.

The BBC Sound Of machinery also utilises alumni artists, ranging from Jorja Smith and Stormzy through to Billie Eilish via Foals and Yungblud.

Recently releasing his incredible 'Send Them To Coventry' mixtape, Pa Salieu's blend of underground UK rap and afrobeats seems to tap into a key facet of British life in 2021.

Pa Salieu says: “I was just really happy to even be included on the list alongside some amazing artists, a few of who I know personally. They’re all crazy talented, so to be the winner of something like this so early in my journey just feels mad."

Annie Mac adds: “I’m delighted for Pa Salieu winning the prestigious Sound of 2021. As a man whose childhood was split between The Gambia and Coventry, he has a unique perspective on Britain.”

“His songs are exquisitely produced, with enough restraint for Pa’s voice to shine through and have the space to tell the stories of his life. They are stories of friendship and family, of violence, exclusion and racism and they act as timeless evidence of British street life at the turn of new decade.”

The top five artists for Sound of 2021 are:

Pa Salieu
Holly Humberstone
BERWYN
Greentea Peng
GRIFF

Related: *More Than Music - Pa Salieu Interviewed*

Photo Credit: *Vicky Grout*

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