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Sampha Wins 2017 Mercury Prize for His Album 'Process'

Photo of Sampha by Carolina Faruolo, courtesy Parklife
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Sampha's debut studio album Process has won this year's Mercury Prize.

The winner of the best British album of the year was announced Thursday night during a ceremony featuring performances from Sampha as well as a number of other nominees. And he was up against some hefty competition in the likes of Ed Sheeran, The xx, Alt-J, Stormzy and Glass Animals.

For The xx and Alt-J, the loss probably wasn't a complete disappointment as they've both previously won the award in 2010 and in 2012, respectively.

In fact, Alt-J tweeted immediately after the winner was revealed. "Well done, Sampha," they said, with a trio of trophy emoji. "Thoroughly deserved. Xxx."

The moment when Idris Elba announced Sampha as the winner, to enormous applause, can be seen below.