Stormzy raps about Theresa May and ‘money for Grenfell’ at Brit Awards

Stormzy was crowned king of the Brit Awards as he scooped two gongs and asked Theresa May about “money for Grenfell”.

The grime artist referenced the Grenfell Tower blaze which killed 71 people and directed questions at the Prime Minister during a performance which closed the show.

In a politically-charged rap, Stormzy sang: “Yo Theresa May, where’s the money for Grenfell?

“What, you thought we just forgot about Grenfell? You criminals, and you’ve got the cheek to call us savages, you should do some jail time, you should pay some damages, you should burn your house down and see if you can manage this.”

The ceremony, presented by Jack Whitehall, was dominated by wins for Stormzy and Dua Lipa, who was the first female in the history of the Brits to be nominated for five awards in one year.

Stormzy fell to the ground in shock when he was announced the winner of British album of the year, beating Ed Sheeran to what is seen as the most coveted prize of the night.

Singer-songwriter Dua Lipa hailed the power of women as she picked up the award for British female solo artist, on a night when the stars carried white roses to show their support for the Time’s Up movement.

The ceremony featured a tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing in the form of an appearance by Liam Gallagher who was called upon after Ariana Grande was forced to pull out due to illness.

The American pop star was due to take to the stage to remember the victims of the attack that took place at her concert in May last year, but was not well enough to travel to the UK.

Dua Lipa, who also won the British breakthrough artist accolade, was one of the stars who carried a white rose in support of victims of sexual harassment and assault.

The star paid tribute to women who had been on the Brit Awards stage before her as she collected the prize for British female solo artist.

She thanked “every single female that has been on this stage before me, that has given girls like me – not just girls in the music industry – but girls in society, a place to be inspired by, to look up and have allowed us to dream this big.”

She added: “Here’s to more women on these stages, more women winning awards and more women taking over the world.”

Stormzy appeared overwhelmed as he accepted his first ever Brit – British male solo artist – fending off competition from Sheeran and Gallagher.

He said: “I don’t even know how I have managed to achieve this, this is the grace of God!”

Accepting his prize for British album of the year for Gang Signs And Prayer, the rapper told the audience: “Firstly, I always give all the glory to God, God this is all you, this is all you God.”

Despite losing out on two awards to Stormzy, Sheeran won the Global Success award.

Other winners included British single for Rag’n’Bone Man for his track Human, Kendrick Lamar won international male solo artist, and Foo Fighters won best international group.

Lorde was named international female solo artist, and Damon Albarn-fronted group Gorillaz won the British group award.

Harry Styles won the British artist video of the year award for Sign Of The Times, fending off competition from fellow One Direction star Liam Payne and ex-member Zayn.

Stars performing on the night included Justin Timberlake, Rita Ora, Foo Fighters and Sam Smith.