‘It feels like a full circle moment’: Stormzy awarded Freedom of the Borough by home council

Multi-award winning grime artist Stormzy has been given a council award in his home town.

The award is the highest honour the council can issue and dates back to Victorian times.

Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo – better known by his stage persona Stormzy – was born and raised in Croydon and was given the award in recognition of his dedication to music, philanthropy, youth empowerment, mental health issues and services to the borough’s diverse communities.

Stormzy was unable to attend the town hall council meeting to collect the award, but sent a video message of thanks. 

He said: “I just want to say how much of an honour it is to be awarded with the Freedom of the Borough award. 

“I know that this is the highest accolade, is so prestigious and is the highest honour from the borough of Croydon, so I am so grateful.

“It feels like a full circle moment. I think anyone who knows me knows that I was born in Croydon, was raised in Croydon, went to school in Croydon, all of my friends and family are in Croydon, so to be awarded with the Freedom of the Borough means a lot to me. 

“I thank the whole community and the people at the council who made this possible.”

The other recipient of the award was 110-year-old Merah Louise Smith, known locally as Mumma, who was awarded in recognition of her lifelong service to others working in the NHS and for her achievement as one of the borough’s oldest residents.

Mumma is a great-grandmother who was part of the Windrush generation when she arrived in Croydon from Jamaica in the 1960s.

She has lived in Croydon Old Town for more than 40 years, and worked in mental health until retiring.

She is a member of Thornton Heath Evangelical Church and credits her faith for her longevity, as well her commitment to keeping fit and healthy through dancing, going to the gym and kickboxing, all of which she only gave up when she was 105 years old.

She also dedicated her time to her family in her senior years, looking after her great-great-grandchildren so her granddaughter could follow in her footsteps to train to be a mental health nurse. 

Mumma was presented with the citation of her award surrounded by friends and five generations of family at a ceremony at Croydon town hall, where she also received Stormzy’s certificate on his behalf.

Stormzy sent a message to Mumma in his video message, saying: “I send a massive shout out to Mumma because you are amazing, you are phenomenal. 

“You love your exercise, so we have a few things in common, but I don’t think I’ll ever be as legendary as you are so congratulations to you Mumma, and thank you Croydon.” 

Pictured top: Stormzy (Picture: PA)