Dave calls Boris Johnson a “real racist” in BRIT Awards performance
"I say the least racist is still racist"
Dave has called Boris Johnson a “real racist” during his BRIT Awards performance this week.
The South London rapper added a new verse to his freestyle track 'Black', which focuses on obstacles and prejudices facing black Britons while celebrating excellence, leaving no questions over his feelings about the UK Prime Minister.
“It is racist, whether or not it feels racist, the truth is our Prime Minister’s a real racist / They say – ‘you should be grateful, we’re the least racist’ / I say the least racist is still racist.”
The UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, responded in a subsequent press conference, branding the accusations "utter nonsense", adding: "artists and entertainers say all sorts of things."
The fresh lyrics also referenced prison rehabilitation workers Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones, who died in the London Bridge terror attack of November 2019, Dave's own brother Christopher, who is currently serving a life sentence following a murder conviction, and the victims of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire.
"Grenfell victims still need accommodation / And we still need support for the Windrush generation / Reparations for the time our people spent on plantations."
The words invoke those of Stormzy (one of this year's BRIT victors) when he performed at the same ceremony two years ago. US MC Tyler, The Creator, was also among the 2020 award winners. He scooped the gong for International Male Solo Artist and thanked Theresa May in the process. During her tenure as Home Secretary she moved to ban him from entering the UK to tour.
Dave took Album of the Year at the BRITS for his Mercury Prize-winning LP, 'Psychodrama', which features in the top 15 of DJ Mag's Top 50 Albums of 2019.
