Stormzy Apologises To Skunk Anansie After Wrongly Saying He Was Glastonbury's First Black-British Headliner

Stormzy has publicly apologised to Skunk Anansie frontwoman Skin, after wrongly saying he was the “first Black-British artist” to headline at Glastonbury.

Ahead of his Pyramid Stage show on Friday night, Stormzy shared his excitement in a string of tweets, in which he acknowledged the significance of his headlining slot.

“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.” 

Unfortunately for the excited grime star, he wasn’t quite accurate with that first statement, with Skunk Anansie having previously headlined 20 years earlier, as they noted on Instagram shortly afterwards.

“Sorry Stormzy but we beat you to it in 1999! 20 years ago!” they joked. “And while we’re on topic, I was the first black Woman too! @beyonce”

Insisting there were no hard feelings over the gaffe, they added: “Wishing you an awesome nite tho, Kill it! You’re amazing and we’re all very proud… ps real question is why it took 20 years.”

On Monday afternoon, Stormzy acknowledged his mistake, tweeting: “Skin from the band Skunk Anansie was actually the first black artist to headline glasto she done it with her band in 1999 no disrespect intended and MASSIVE salute to you - my apologies !”

Stormzy’s Glastonbury set was hailed by music fans and fellow musicians alike, with Adele and Drake among those to share their praise for the chart-topping rapper.

During his set, he was joined on stage by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, as well as fellow British rappers Dave and Fredo.