Since we're in a celebratory mood and because @samphaaa's disappeared on holiday and won't have to see this, I think it's probably a good time to say a few words about last night and it's significance. Over 8 years ago he came into our 'office' as an intern. It's fair to say neither tea making nor envelope licking are his forte. Interning progressed into playing us his beats and he developed into YT resident collaborator. Whoever you were, Sampha quietly and graciously brought all his energies to the session.... never overbearing but never without leaving his mark. A good while in he reluctantly let slip that he sung a bit. Here began a long and winding road toward 'Process'. What followed is well documented so I won't delve too deep here, but suffice to say Sampha has coped with a lot. Simultaneously, he had the fortune to work with some incredible people. Whilst trying to create his own music could be too painful, making music with and for other artists was an escape, freeing up his creativity. All of these people played a huge part in his development, with every collaboration opening him up. You know who you are and I'm eternally thankful for your generosity. In September 2015 Sampha's mother, Binty Sisay, heartbreakingly passed away. This tragically brought an end to one period in Sampha's life and opened another; Sampha was ready to finish 'Process'. Considering what had to pass to allow it to happen and what he had to go through to make it real, the simple act of 'Process' being released was always the prize. To be able to see him celebrate with his brother's Sanie & Ernest (who are the bedrock in Sampha's musical foundation) and his girlfriend Jojo, all of whom were vital in carrying him through the last few years of his life, was a beautiful thing. Thank you Sampha for enriching us all. Thank you all the Mercury judges for allowing this to happen. Thank you to all the other artists (@theuglygram - never has one artist music so owned another's after party). And thank you to everyone else who helped or