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‘This one’s for you’ – Rapper Aitch dedicates first BRIT Award to Manchester

"Not many people where I’m from get the opportunity to stand up here."

Emily Sergeant - 13th February 2023

Aitch took home his first-ever BRIT Award this past weekend, and he’s dedicated it to the city of Manchester in a heartfelt message.

The chart-topping rapper – real name Harrison Armstrong, who proudly hails from Moston in North Manchester – found himself on the national stage on Saturday night as he clinched the win for Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act at the 2023 BRIT Awards.

The 23-year-old was the first act to be presented with an award on the night of ceremony, which took place at The O2 Arena in London, and was up against some tough competition with the likes of fellow superstars Stormzy, Dave, and more in the same category.

But the local lad beat the lot to be one with the trophy in his hands on the night.

Although he hoped he would’ve been able to have “a couple more drinks” before stepping up on stage to accept the award to calm his nerves, the rapper was able to deliver a heartfelt speech and express gratitude for his journey and how far he’s come.

“I’m not gonna lie, I never get a bit scared, but I’m sh****ng myself,” Aitch said as he began his speech, “I thought I’d have time to have a couple more drinks before I came on here, but obviously not.”

He then thanked his record label, everyone on his team, and sent love to friends, family, and fans

After thanking those who helped him get to where he is today, Aitch then took some time in his speech to reflect on where he came from: “Not to get all cliché, but I just want to say, not many people where I’m from – especially my side of Manchester – get the opportunity to stand up here and receive such an amazing gift or award.”

He then discussed his motivations, as the speech turned heartfelt.

“I think that’s the main reason I do it for – to set examples and let people know that it’s possible, no matter where you’re from.

“Just because five million people haven’t done it before, you can [still] do it.”

He closed out his speech by encouraging everyone in the audience to be proud of themselves and their journeys as well: “I think everyone should be proud of themselves in the room just for being here and sometimes we need to kick back and reflect on how well everyone’s doing, because I don’t do that personally enough.

“Big up everyone, respect. 0161 in the building. All love, thank you.”

The rapper then took to his Instagram the day after the ceremony to dedicate his first-ever BRIT Award to the city of Manchester: “This one’s for Manchester. The next one’s all for me.”

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A post shared by @aitch

Aside from Aitch’s win, Manchester and the North West were also well represented in the form of several other local winners.

Wilmslow originated, now and Manchester-based, indie pop rock band The 1975 took home the award for Best Rock/Alternative Act, and then there was, of course, serial winner Harry Styles – with the Holmes Chapel singing superstar scooping four awards for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop/R&B Act.

Styles also opened the show with a performance of his smash-hit single As It Was.

Other big winners on the night included Isle of Wight indie rock band Wet Leg, who also took home three awards and, like Styles, too won big at this year’s GRAMMYs last weekend.

Read more:

• Aitch makes surprise appearance with N-Dubz in Manchester and fans did not cope well
• Manchester rapper Aitch becomes ambassador of Down’s syndrome charity
• Aitch says he felt like the ‘most hated man in Manchester’ after Ian Curtis mural backlash

Beyoncé won two awards in the international categories, while Irish rockers Fontaines D.C. won Best International Group, and Becky Hill won Best Dance Act.

Featured Image – ITV