Artists outside London ‘underrepresented on Mercury prize shortlist’

The Mercury Prize has faced criticism for its lack of representation of artists outside London, with only three winners since 2010 hailing from outside the capital. This year, the awards ceremony is set to take place in Newcastle, marking a significant shift as it is the first time the event will be held outside London. Former nominees are calling for broader representation, highlighting the disparity in nominations, where 130 more nominees have come from London compared to other regions over the prize's 34-year history. This issue matters as it raises questions about inclusivity and the recognition of diverse musical talent across the UK.