Raye Wins 2026 Mercury Prize for This Music May Contain Hope

British singer-songwriter Raye has won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope. Pitchfork, NME, and The Guardian all reported that the award was presented on Thursday, October 22, 2026. NME reported that the annual ceremony was held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle and hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Lauren Laverne. [1][2][4][8][9]

Pitchfork reported that Raye won the prize over competing releases from artists including Sir Paul McCartney, Olivia Dean, Jade, Nia Archives, and Florence and the Machine. NME added that Suede was also among the nominees. The win marks the first Mercury Prize victory for Raye. Her 2023 debut album, My 21st Century Blues, was shortlisted but lost to the jazz ensemble Ezra Collective. [1][2]

Accepting the trophy, Raye stated that she felt grateful to be recognised after coming from an environment focused on releasing single tracks and chasing immediate trends, Pitchfork reported. Pitchfork and NME both noted her remarks that hope is something everyone needs and that music serves as medicine. [1][2]

Rachel Agatha Keen, known professionally as Raye, is a British record producer and singer whose work mixes pop, jazz, dance, R and B, and soul. The Mercury Prize was established in 1992 by the British Phonographic Industry and the British Association of Record Dealers as an alternative to the Brit Awards. The annual honor recognizes the best album released by a musician or group from the United Kingdom or Ireland. [8][9]