Pa Salieu has secured the highest spot (Image: BBC Music)
Coventry rapper Pa Salieu has been named because the BBC Music Sound of 2021 winner.
The 23-year-old was chosen by a panel of 160 business specialists, together with huge names like Billie Eilish, Stormzy, and Jorja Smith.
The star, who launched his breakout monitor Frontline in January final 12 months, follows within the footsteps of some music legends, together with previous winners Adele, Sam Smith, and Ellie Goulding.
In the meantime, Celeste scored final 12 months’s prime spot.
‘I used to be simply actually joyful to even be included on the listing alongside some superb artists, a couple of of who I do know personally,’ Pa mentioned after his win.
‘They’re all loopy proficient, so to be the winner of one thing like this so early in my journey simply feels mad.’
BBC presenter Annie Mac mentioned: ‘I’m delighted for Pa Salieu successful the celebrated Sound of 2021. As a person whose childhood was cut up between The Gambia and Coventry, he has a novel perspective on Britain.
‘His songs are exquisitely produced, with sufficient restraint for Pa’s voice to shine by and have the house to inform the tales of his life.
‘They’re tales of friendship and household, of violence, exclusion and racism they usually act as timeless proof of British road life on the flip of a brand new decade.’
Celeste was the final winner (Image: Getty Photos)
Pa has additionally opened up about his life after transferring to Coventry from The Gambia on the age of eight.
He told the BBC: ‘Folks get killed day by day for no cause the place I’m from,’ and has recounted his terrifying expertise of being shot within the head.
Together with his music, he mentioned he desires to be a voice for many who haven’t survived, together with two of his finest mates.
Pa’s most up-to-date single, My Household that includes BackRoad Gee, was launched in September final 12 months.
Following Pa on the listing, singer Holly Humberstone got here second, whereas rapper Berwyn got here third.
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