Sheku Kanneh-Mason has made chart history as the first BBC Young Musician winner to enter the Official UK Albums Chart with a debut recording.
Inspiration, released via Decca Classics, entered the main chart at No.18 and is also No.1 in the classical chart.
The 18-year-old, who becomes the youngest cellist ever to reach the Top 20, said: “As a classical cellist, I can’t quite believe I’ve made the Top 20 in the pop charts with my first ever album! It has been an amazing experience and I’m very grateful to everyone who’s supported me. I hope the pieces on this album inspire others the way they’ve inspired me.”
Kanneh-Mason recorded Inspiration with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, featuring a range of covers including his viral interpretation of Bob Marley’s No Woman, No Cry, which was shared by Bob Marley’s daughter and backed by MOBO. He is the top streamed young classical artist, racking up 2.5 million streams on Spotify alone.
The cellist is set to return to the BAFTAs on February 18 for what will be his second performance on the awards ceremony.
By Sarah Thomas
PHOTO: Lars Borges
