I listened with delight to Annie Mac announce the winner of this year's Mercury music prize for best British album. Michael Kiwanuka is a very deserved winner after two previous nominations and there are so many lessons for all of us in his story. 

Kiwanuka's family escaped Idi Amin's Uganda to settle in London and he worked his way into the Royal Academy of Music. As he was trying to break through as an artist, he was constantly told to change his name to make him more 'marketable' but he refused and stuck to what was right. His first two albums gained unsuccessful nominations for the prize but he kept working hard, despite what he describes as 'crippling self doubt' and ever present imposter syndrome. Whilst making this album, he recalled how he decided to switch his thinking and begin to believe in himself again. The result is an amazing album of 'politicised soul that sees the star explore themes of self doubt, faith and civil rights'. 

As we head into the windy weekend, I think this acts as a nice reminder to stick to what is right, work hard and belive in yourself. 

Stay safe,

Steve Richards