Leeds musicians shortlisted for 2026 Mercury Prize as Nia Archives earns second nomination
Leeds musicians Nia Archives and English Teacher are among the finalists for this year's Mercury Prize
The shortlist for this year's Mercury Prize was announced on Thursday, with Leeds musicians among the 12 finalists ahead of October's awards ceremony in Newcastle.
Featuring A-list talent as well as a range of newcomers, the shortlist includes Sir Paul McCartney, RAYE, Olivia Dean, Florence + the Machine and West Yorkshire's own Nia Archives.
Nia Archives – real name Dehaney Nia Lishahn Hunt – is nominated for her second album, Emotional Junglist, marking the Bradford-born, Horsforth-raised producer's second nomination.
Her debut album, Silence Is Loud, was shortlisted in 2024, when fellow Leeds act English Teacher won the award for their debut, This Could Be Texas.
2024 winners English Teacher, who formed at Leeds Conservatoire, are shortlisted alongside artists including Graham Coxon and Damon Albarn (Blur), Arctic Monkeys and Beth Gibbons (Portishead) for their contribution to War Child's charity album Help(2).
The collaboration was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London last year to raise funds for War Child's work supporting children living through war. It also features musicians from Fontaines D.C., Ezra Collective, Depeche Mode, Geese and more.
The 2026 Mercury Prize awards ceremony will take place in Newcastle for the second year running on October 22.
Full list of shortlisted albums:
- Artists for War Child – Help(2)
- Dave – The Boy Who Played the Harp
- Dove Ellis – Blizzard
- Florence + The Machine – Everybody Scream
- Jade – That's Showbiz Baby!
- Knats – A Great Day in Newcastle
- Kojey Radical – Don't Look Down
- Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
- Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
- Paul McCartney – The Boys of Dungeon Lane
- Raye – This Music May Contain Hope
- Suede – Antidepressants