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PICTURED: Stormzy and Jorja Smith

BRITISH MUSICIANS Stormzy and Jorja Smith are among the new judges for the 2019 Hyundai Mercury Prize.

The duo alongside Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes, will be joined by BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac and Vice.com editorial director Tshepo Mokoena on the prestigious panel, which already includes DJ Clara Amfo, jazz star Jamie Cullum, Radio X's Mike Walsh, Kerrang! and Mojo's Phil Alexander, Pop Critic Will Hodgkinson and The Chair Jeff Smith.

David Wilkinson, Mercury Prize Chairman, said "There were over 200 albums entered for the 2019 Hyundai Mercury Prize - and the judges spend many months listening to these and then meet to decide on the shortlist of 12 ‘Albums of the Year’.

"This has been an exciting year for British and Irish music so it’s going to be tough for them choosing just 12 albums.

"After last year’s successful event we’re looking forward to an equally diverse and eclectic shortlist being announced by Huw Stephens on 25 July."

The 2019 Awards Show will take place on Thursday 19 September at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith. The event will feature live performances by many of the 12 shortlisted artists and the evening will culminate in the announcement of the overall winner of the 2019 Hyundai Mercury Prize for ‘Album of the Year’. The winner is decided by the judging panel on the day of the Awards Show.

David Pugh, Hyundai Motor UK Marketing Director, said “Our title partnership of the Hyundai Mercury Prize has over the last few years have been integral to growing awareness of our brand here in the UK. Our campaign this year will continue to support innovation in British music and we look forward to seeing what surprises the 2019 shortlist will produce.”

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