On a night that saw Stormzy win Best British Male, Dave win Album Of The Year and Mabel take home the award for Best British Female, the 40th Brit Awards was a real celebration of UK black music. Dave delivered a powerful performance of his hit-song “Black” alongside producer and composer Fraser T. Smith, stunning the nation with what is now an iconic performance. Switching up the lyrics for his politically-driven track, Dave paid tribute to the victims of Grenfell Tower, Saskia Jones and Jack Merritt, who died in the tragic London Bridge terror attack last year, as well as calling out the Prime Minister Boris Johnson as racist. “It is racist even if it doesn’t feel racist,” he rapped, “the truth is our Prime Minister is the real racist.” Stormzy also took to the stage and performed a medley of his hit singles, including “Own It” with Burna Boy.
So, what better way to celebrate all of this excellence than to party? Hosting their annual Brit Awards after-party for the third year running, Since ‘93 out-showed themselves yet again, this time pairing up with underwear brand Rebel Empire and Cenote Tequila. Launching back in 2018, Since ‘93, helmed by Riki Bleau and Glyn Aikins, are the newest record label to join the Sony/RCA portfolio, and have since nurtured a new wave of entrepreneurial UK artists such as Aitch, Fredo, Loski and Morrisson.
The invite-only party welcomed a slew of big names, including the above but also Wizkid, Roses Gabor, Konan, Donae’O, Micheal Ward, Harry Pinero, Dotty, Nadia Jae, NSG, D-Block Europe and more at Café De Paris, nestled in Central London. DJs Tiffany Calver, Kenny Allstar, Siobhan Bell, Rampage and Soraya took turns on the decks, spinning everything from UK funky, drill and rap to US hip-hop and R&B newbies and classics.
Upon arrival, guests were able to take photos on a red carpet against the branded backdrop, and were treated to a slew of (free!) celebrity-endorsed drinks, from Lil Wayne’s Bambu Rum to Riss Ross’ Belaire Rose. A menu of special cocktails was also handed out that included the names Since ‘93 Sunrise, Rebel Libre and After Party Paloma. Attendees were then invited into the VIP Lounge where you could pick up gifts from Cenote Tequila, Rebel Empire underwear and Blu Vapes, as well as a midnight feast of fried chicken and wings courtesy of Deliveroo and Shake Shack.
The energy was unbeatable, filled with music enthusiasts celebrating not only their love for music but the artists nominated and awards won at The Brits. Here’s what went down in pictures.
