Ray BLK wins the BBC Sound of 2017

The winner of the BBC’s Sound of 2017 has been announced, with Catford’s Ray BLK taking the top spot.

The South Londoner also received a Best Newcomer nod at this year’s MOBOs, and has collaborated with Stormzy and MNEK in the past. It is the first time an unsigned artist has won the BBC’s Sound Of poll.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” said the 22-year-old, in light of her win. “It’s all just so ridiculous!”

Ray BLK pipped Raye, Jorja Smith, Nadia Rose and “Rag ‘n’ Bone Man” - who all ranked in the Sound of 2017’s top five - to the winner’s post. Elsewhere, Declan McKenna, Anderson .Paak, and The Japanese House were nominated for the longlist.

Listen to Ray BLK’s Stormzy collab, ‘My Hood’ below.