CMAT uses Ivor Novello speech to condemn fascism and Nigel Farage

CMAT took the Best Album award at Ivor Novellos and urged artists not to sit on the fence.

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Accepting the Best Album prize at the Ivor Novello Awards in London, CMAT delivered a speech taking aim at fascism, Nigel Farage and "anybody who decides to make life more difficult for people who are just trying to live".

The honour, given for her third album 'Euro-Country', was handed to the Irish musician by Trinidadian rapper Berwyn. Now based in London, Berwyn had himself addressed immigration and the far right when introducing her on stage.

Opening her remarks, CMAT explained the inspiration behind the record. "This record 'Euro-Country' is about the very complicated relationship that I have with my country, which, I don't know if you know, is Ireland," she said. "And I happen to be a legal immigrant to this country only because Ireland was lucky enough to get colonised 800 years ago by England, and that is actually the only difference between me and you, admin-wise."

Turning to the purpose of her craft, she added: "I have a very specific idea of what songwriting is supposed to be for. And I think it is to reflect the times through your own personal view, so that everybody can have something to connect to and something to learn from years later."

She then called on her peers to take a stand. "And now, I would compel my fellow artists in the room, it is not the time to sit on the fence. Fascism is on the rise. That c* Bertie Ahern recently decided that he was going to be really fucking racist on camera, he revealed his true colours."

The reference points to footage of former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern in which he said he had "no problem" with Ukrainians coming to Ireland, before adding, "The ones I worry about are the Africans".

CMAT closed by saying: "Fuck Reform, fuck Nigel Farage. I have no time, sympathy or empathy for anybody that decides to make life more difficult for people who are just trying to live."

Elsewhere at the ceremony, Sam Fender and Rosalía picked up prizes, while the Academy Fellowship went to both Thom Yorke and George Michael.

Ahead on her live schedule, CMAT plays Dublin's St. Anne's Park on 30th May and Cork's Virgin Media Park on 20th June, with festival appearances at Lollapalooza and All Things Go also confirmed.