British rapper Kojey Radical and singer RAYE will both perform live at the 2026 Mercury Prize ceremony in Newcastle on October 22, organisers have confirmed.
Kojey is shortlisted for his album Don’t Look Down, while RAYE is nominated for THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. Each act will perform one track from their 2026 Mercury Prize-nominated album at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, where the winner will be announced on the night.
The appearance marks a return to the Mercury stage for both artists. Kojey was previously shortlisted in 2022 for Reason to Smile, while RAYE was recognised in 2023 for My 21st Century Blues. Their second nominations show how steadily each has built their reputation since.
They will share the stage with a crowded line-up. Dove Ellis, Florence + The Machine, JADE, Knats, Nia Archives, Olivia Dean and Suede will also perform, with Pulp appearing on behalf of the HELP(2) album. Short films will celebrate fellow nominees Dave and Paul McCartney.
The ceremony returns to Newcastle for the second consecutive year, and last year’s prize went to Geordie hero Sam Fender. BBC Music will provide coverage of the event.
Requirement for the Win
Albums by British or Irish artists released between August 30, 2025 and July 17, 2026 were eligible. The 12 shortlisted albums are Dave’s The Boy Who Played the Harp, Dove Ellis’s Blizzard, Florence + The Machine’s Everybody Scream, JADE’s THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!, Knats’ A Great Day In Newcastle, Kojey Radical’s Don’t Look Down, Nia Archives’ Emotional Junglist,
Olivia Dean’s The Art Of Loving, Paul McCartney’s The Boys of Dungeon Lane, RAYE’s THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE., Suede’s Antidepressants and War Child Records’ HELP(2).
The overall winner will be decided by the judging panel on the night. The prize comes with a £25,000 cheque. Olivia Dean is described by some UK press as the current frontrunner, though the Mercury Prize has a reputation for rewarding outside chances over favourites.
The build-up will be busy too. The Mercury Prize Fringe runs from October 15 to 22 and features more than 30 events across Newcastle, including live performances, listening parties, screenings, workshops, and talks.
For Ghanaian and diaspora audiences, Kojey’s place on the bill carries extra weight. The rapper is of Ghanaian heritage, and his inclusion is a reminder of how strongly African diaspora artists are shaping the British mainstream. The news drew attention on Ghana-focused social media accounts, including Ghanaspora.
RAYE arrives in Newcastle after a busy year. She performed at the Brit Awards in Manchester in February, delivering Where Is My Husband! and Nightingale Lane, and she is also among the acts on the 2026 Jingle Ball touring line-up for nine US dates this December.
The Mercury Prize is known for introducing shortlisted albums to wider audiences, and its live performances are often among the most talked-about moments of the night. By putting one track from each nominated record on stage, organisers offer a snapshot of the year in British and Irish music, from rap and pop to rock and jungle.
Recent winners include English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Little Simz and Dave, a list that reflects the prize’s range across genres. The ceremony was announced as moving to Newcastle in 2025, the first time it would be held outside London.
With a field this varied, the night is expected to be closely watched. Kojey’s set should bring the energy of Don’t Look Down to the arena, while RAYE’s performance will spotlight her latest album.
The ceremony starts at 8:00 PM on October 22, and tickets are on sale. All but two of this year’s nominees are due to attend the Utilita Arena.
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