Stormzy says he is 'overwhelmed with emotions' ahead of Glastonbury headline set

Stormzy has said that he is “overwhelmed” to be the first black British artist to headline Glastonbury, hours before his Friday night set.

The London-born Grime artist will top the bill on the Pyramid Stage this evening, a moment which he said he feels like his “entire life” has been leading up to on a series of emotional tweets.

“I am [the] first black British artist to headline Glastonbury,” he wrote. “At 25 years old I am the second youngest solo act to ever headline Glastonbury, the youngest being a 24 year old David Bowie in 1971.

“I’m overwhelmed with emotions, this is the most surreal feeling I’ve ever experienced. I feel my entire life has lead [sic] to this moment. Can’t explain or fathom what this all is but I am 100% sure this is all God and his favour. Giving him all the glory.”

The Vossi Bop star then thanked Glastonbury organisers Emily and Mike Eavis for “believing in him” and said that he couldn’t wait to hug and thank them for the opportunity.

Stormzy, real name Michael Omari, was announced as a Worthy Farm headline act earlier this year but was immediately met with criticism from festival-goers citing that he “only” has one album to his name.

But Stormzy shrugged off any critics during a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, promising to “mash it up”.

“It is the honour of a lifetime,” he told the host. “It’s incredible and I am really going to mash it up!”

As well as the first Black British star, Stormzy will be the first grime MC to headline the famous festival, over a year on from his BRIT award winning album Gang Signs and Prayers. He previously performed on the Other Stage in 2017.

Stormzy set will be broadcast on BBC Two this evening.