Harry Styles and Raye lead nominations for prestigious Ivor Novello Awards

23 April 2024 , 19:37

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Fred again.. is nominated for the first time since 2019 (Image: Getty Images)

Raye and Harry Styles are among some of the huge names nominated for an Ivor Novello Award.

Raye's chart-topping album My 21st Century Blues, which bagged the best album BRIT Award earlier this year, is in the running alongside Irish singer CMAT's Crazymad, For Me; London jazz musician Yussef Dayes' Black Classical Music; Irish folk group Lankum's False Lankum and London-born musician Sampha's second album Lahai.

Harry Styles, Fred Again.., Jungle, PinkPantheress and Ice Spice are also among the artists who have received nominations, which were announced on Tuesday during a ceremony in London.

The Ivor nod for Londoner Raye continues an impressive 12 months which has included her making Brit Awards history by winning six gongs in March, the most of any artist in one year, and receiving a Mercury Prize nomination for My 21st Century Blues. She was previously nominated for two Ivors in 2022 and took home the Best Contemporary Song award last year for her viral hit Escapism.

Harry Styles is nominated for another Ivor Novello Award (Getty Images for ABA)

Raye has also been nominated for a series of gongs (Getty Images for Coachella)

Leading the pack this year with two nominations each are Sampha and Yussef Dayes, who both received a second nod in the best song musically and lyrically category for co-writing Sampha's track Spirit 2.0. Blur's track, The Narcissist, is also in the running for the award, 29 years after the band's first Ivor nomination. Other nominees include Tom Odell's Black Friday and The Japanese House's Sunshine Baby.

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Victoria Canal's Black Swan has also earned a nomination following her win as The Ivors' rising star last year. Pop sensation Harry Styles' hit song As It Was has been nominated for the PRS for Music Most Performed Work for the second consecutive year, having won the prize last year.

Also on the nomination list are British singer PinkPantheress and US rapper Ice Spice's Boy's A Liar Pt. 2; Irish dance artist Jazzy's Giving Me; British singer Kenya Grace's Strangers; and Dave and Central Cee's chart-topper Sprinter. The best contemporary song category features a slew of hits including the collaboration between music producer Fred Again... and musician Brian Eno on Enough; South African singer Tyla's Water; Jungle's Back On 74; Mette's Mama's Eyes; and Geronimo Blues performed by Speakers Corner Quartet featuring Kae Tempest.

The Ivors have been honouring the work of songwriters and composers across eight categories since 1956. This year, 77 individual British and Irish songwriters and composers have received nominations, with 60% being recognised for the first time. Other categories include Rising Star, Best Television Soundtrack, Best Original Video Game Score and Best Original Film Score.

US rock legend Bruce Springsteen is set to make history as the first international songwriter to be honoured with a fellowship by The Ivors Academy, the organisation's most prestigious accolade. Roberto Neri, Chief Executive of The Ivors Academy, expressed his enthusiasm: "On behalf of The Ivors Academy and our community of songwriters and composers, I'm delighted to congratulate all our nominees and thank our members who judge the awards."

He added, "It is this recognition by your peers that makes an Ivor Novello Award so meaningful, and I look forward to celebrating the highest achievements at an inspiring awards ceremony in May." Tom Gray, Chairman of The Ivors Academy, commented on the diversity of this year's nominees: "The 2024 Ivor Novello Award nominees represent a remarkable breadth of talent, showcasing the wide-ranging creativity and innovation that defines British and Irish songwriting and screen composing."

Gray further noted, "From established voices to rising stars, this year's list reflects an ever-evolving musical landscape and celebrates the writing craft that soundtracks our lives." The much-anticipated winners will be unveiled during a glamorous event at Grosvenor House in London, scheduled for May 23.

Daniel Bird