Stormzy became the first black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury in its 49-year history, delivering a high-charged, political and even emotional performance on the venue’s legendary Pyramid Stage.

The 25-year-old also became the second-youngest headliner at the festival (after a 24-year-old David Bowie).

Stormzy has spoken about the knife crime wave that has plagued streets in recent years. He chose a stab-proof vest bearing a Union Jack flag for the performance.

But what is even more interesting is that Banksy turned out to be the one who designed the vest. Later he posted on his Instagram account: “I made a customised stab-proof vest and thought – who could possibly wear this? Stormzy at Glastonbury”. https://www.instagram.com/p/BzS7TrSHL_d/

Banksy is right. The young rapper has always been into political and social issues. Stormzy also is known for inviting a black ballet dancer onstage, while limelighting that ballet shoes have only recently become available for dancers in skin tones other than white.

The rapper has also gained credence for his political actions and his involvement in a variety of social problems and has criticized the lack of diversity in higher education and the music industry.

His debut album, “Gang Signs & Prayer,” became the first grime work to top the UK album charts, and it won Brit and MOBO awards and numerous other nominations for the rapper.

NB: Grime is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in London in the early 2000s, rapping being a significant part of it. It’s… not very jolly.

Also published on Medium.