Stormzy has shared a rare social media message after he received the Freedom of Croydon award. The rapper, 29, who was born and raised in the South London borough has shared how the accolade 'means a lot' to him following his incredibly successful music career.
Stormzy is not one to post on social media regularly, so the message to his hometown is even more special, and it was shared by Your Croydon on the night of the awards. Stormzy was given the award alongside 110-year-old community champion “Mumma” Merah Louise Smith who received the accolade for lifelong service to others in the NHS and locally and as one of the eldest residents of the borough.
In the video message, Stormzy said: "What's going on everyone? It's Stormzy here, firstly I want to say a massive, massive sorry for not being in attendance tonight - I am there in spirit. Secondly, I just wanted to say what an honour it is to be awarded with the Freedom of the Borough award.
"I know that this is the highest accolade and it's so prestigious and its one of the highest honours that you can get from the Borough of Croydon. I am so grateful.
"It feels like a full circle moment, I think anyone who knows me knows that I was born in Croydon, was raised in Croydon, went to school in Croydon and all my friends and all my family are in Croydon."
He continued: "To be awarded with the Freedom of the Borough award is one that means a lot to me. I just thank the whole community, I thank the people at the council who made this possible.
"I also have to send a massive shout out to “Mumma” as well because you are amazing, you are phenomenal, you love God, you love your exercise so we have a few things in common but I don't think I'll ever be as legendary as you are. So congratulations to you as well “Mumma”. And thank you Croydon, God bless."
Your Croydon captioned the tweet of the video: "Congratulations Stormzy on receiving Freedom of the Borough in his hometown of Croydon for inspiring young people and in recognition of his music, philanthropy, and services to our borough’s diverse communities."
Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry tweeted: "Congratulations to Stormzy on receiving the Freedom of the London Borough of Croydon. Your contribution to music is of course a fantastic achievement - but it’s also great to see the pride you have in Croydon."
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has also been awarded the Freedom of Croydon, which he was handed back in 2018.
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