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Kojey Radical and RAYE to take the stage at 2026 Mercury Prize night in Newcastle

Organisers say a wide line-up of acts will play live on 22 October, with the winner named at the end of the evening.

Kokonsa NewsroomFirst published

Reported by The Vaultz News; not yet confirmed by a second outlet.

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Pinned summary · as of

Kojey Radical and RAYE have been booked to play at this year's Mercury Prize ceremony at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle on 22 October, organisers said, according to The Vaultz News. The paper reported that a string of other acts will join them on the bill.

What's disputed / unconfirmed

  • The Vaultz News reported that organisers confirmed live slots for Kojey Radical and RAYE, with each performing act due to play a single track from its shortlisted record.
  • According to The Vaultz News, Kojey Radical is up for the prize with Don't Look Down and RAYE with THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE, and the paper noted that Kojey Radical has Ghanaian roots.
  • The Vaultz News named seven more acts on the bill, among them Suede, Florence + The Machine and Olivia Dean, alongside Dove Ellis, JADE, Knats and Nia Archives. It added that Pulp will appear for the HELP(2) album and that short films will honour Dave and Paul McCartney.
  • The Vaultz News said 12 albums made the shortlist from British and Irish releases dated between 30 August 2025 and 17 July 2026, and that a judging panel will pick the winner during the show.
  • The Vaultz News reported that the show begins at 8:00 PM, tickets are on sale, BBC Music will cover it, Newcastle hosts for a second year running, and all nominees except two are expected to be present.
  • The Vaultz News added that a fringe programme of over 30 events runs around Newcastle from 15 to 22 October, and that some UK press name Olivia Dean as the favourite.

Why it matters for Ghana

Kojey Radical's Ghanaian heritage gives the night a link for music fans in Accra, Kumasi and across the diaspora who follow British-Ghanaian artists. A nomination or win on a stage this prominent can widen the audience for artists with Ghanaian roots.

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