Stormzy's biography, about Stormzy

Last updated on: May 30, 2025

Stormzy (born as Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr.) is a talented English-Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and music producer, known for their unique style and hit tracks across multiple genres.

Full Name:	Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr.
Stage Name:	Stormzy
Other Name(s):	Wicked Skengman, The Problem, Stiff Chocolate
Occupation:	Singer, Songwriter
Date of Birth:	July 26, 1993
Age:	32 years
Country of Origin:	English-Ghanaian
Net Worth:	$20 - 22 million
Record Label:	#Merky, 0207 Def Jam, Warner
Marital Status:	Divorced
Spouse:	Maya Jama

Basic Info

Full Name: Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr.

Stage Name: Stormzy

Country: English-Ghanaian

Birth Date

Date of Birth: July 26, 1993

Biography, Career, and more

Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., professionally known as Stormzy, is a British-Ghanaian rapper, singer, and songwriter born on 26 July 1993 in Thornton Heath, South London. With roots tracing back to Ghana, Stormzy has emerged as one of the most powerful voices in the UK music scene, blending grime, hip hop, and socially conscious lyrics.

Early Life & Education

Raised by his mother in South Norwood alongside his siblings, Stormzy discovered a passion for rap as early as 11 years old. Despite a turbulent school life where he flirted with expulsion, he excelled academically, earning top grades in his GCSEs. He later pursued an apprenticeship in Leamington Spa and worked in quality assurance at an oil refinery in Southampton before turning full-time to music.

The Breakthrough: Freestyle to Fame

Stormzy's rise began in 2014 with his viral “Wicked Skengman” freestyle series. His raw grime talent captured attention across the UK underground scene. One of his freestyles, “Shut Up,” turned into a breakout single that soared up the UK charts after a social media-driven campaign aimed at making it the Christmas number one. The track ultimately peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart.

Major Career Milestones

2014 & 2015: Stormzy won Best Grime Act at the MOBO Awards.
2015: He was spotlighted in the BBC’s Sound of 2015 list.
2017: Released debut album Gang Signs & Prayer, the first grime album to top the UK Albums Chart.
2018: The album earned British Album of the Year at the Brit Awards.
2019: Released the single “Vossi Bop”, which became his first UK number-one single. Later that year, he headlined Glastonbury Festival, becoming the first black British solo artist to do so.

Albums & Artistic Growth

Gang Signs & Prayer (2017) established Stormzy as more than just a grime MC—it showcased vulnerability, faith, and social commentary. His follow-up album, Heavy Is the Head (2019), continued this trajectory, blending personal reflection with political statements.

In September 2022, Stormzy dropped “Mel Made Me Do It”, a powerful 11-minute single and visual showcasing Black excellence and UK pop culture, featuring cameos from José Mourinho, Usain Bolt, and more. His third studio album, This Is What I Mean, followed on 25 November 2022, released under Def Jam.

Influence & Cultural Impact

Stormzy is not just a rapper; he's a cultural icon. Known for his activism, he's been outspoken about racial inequality, UK politics, and educational reform. His Glastonbury performance in a Banksy-designed stab-proof vest sent a bold message about knife crime and social justice.

Final Thoughts

From clashing in youth clubs to headlining international stages, Stormzy's journey reflects resilience, artistry, and purpose. As he continues to evolve musically and personally, he remains a defining figure in modern British music.