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Stormzy makes history by headlining Glastonbury

The grime star made a serious impact

Stromzy made history as he headlined Glastonbury on Friday night.

Last night, the 25-year-old became the first black British solo artist to headline the festival since it began in 1970.

The rapper made a serious impact on stage, as he wore a stab-proof vest with a Union Jack painted on it for his first five songs.

The Croydon native also displayed a series of crime statistics on screen during his third song First Things First.

Stormzy wore the stab-proof vest to raise awareness about knife crime in London, after recent figures showed that 22,041 knife or weapon offences were recorded in England and Wales in the past year.

The grime star also brought out two ballet dancers for his song Don’t Cry For Me.

During their performance, a screen behind the ballet dancers read: “Ballet shoes have not traditionally been made to match black skin tones. Until now.”

“Previously ballet dancers ‘pancaked’ their shoes with makeup. Now there are ballet shoes to match all skin tones. A huge leap forward for inclusion in the ballet world.”

During his set, Stormzy also took a swipe at Tory leader Boris Johnson, while singing his new track Vossie Bop.

He rapped, “I could never die, I’m Chuck Norris, and the crowd completed the lyrics by chanting, “F*** the government and f*** Boris.”

The 25-year-old was later praised by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Jeremy tweeted: “Tonight @Stormzy made history by being the first black solo British headliner at Glastonbury. The performance was political, iconic and the ballet was beautifully powerful.”

“It won’t just go down in Glastonbury history – it’ll go down in our country’s cultural history. #Glasto2019.”

Just hours before his performance, Stormzy took to Twitter to tell fans that he was feeling “overwhelmed”.

He wrote: “I am the first black British artist to headline Glastonbury. At 25 years old I am the second youngest solo act to ever headline Glastonbury, the youngest being a 24 year old David Bowie in 1971.”

“I’m overwhelmed with emotions, this is the most surreal feeling I’ve ever experienced. I feel my entire life has lead to this moment. Can’t explain or fathom what this all is but I am 100% sure this is all God and his favour. Giving him all the glory.”

“Thank you to Emily & Mike Eavis for believing in me I can’t wait to see you and hug you both thank you so much,” he added.

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