Sampha Wins 2017 Mercury Prize for His Album 'Process'

Photo of Sampha by Carolina Faruolo, courtesy Parklife

Sampha's debut studio album Process has won this year's Mercury Prize.

The winner of the best British album of the year was announced Thursday night during a ceremony featuring performances from Sampha as well as a number of other nominees. And he was up against some hefty competition in the likes of Ed Sheeran, The xx, Alt-J, Stormzy and Glass Animals.

For The xx and Alt-J, the loss probably wasn't a complete disappointment as they've both previously won the award in 2010 and in 2012, respectively.

In fact, Alt-J tweeted immediately after the winner was revealed. "Well done, Sampha," they said, with a trio of trophy emoji. "Thoroughly deserved. Xxx."

The moment when Idris Elba announced Sampha as the winner, to enormous applause, can be seen below.