Rina Sawayama reveals BPI are looking into Mercury Prize eligibility rules

The BPI, who organise the Hyundai Mercury Prize and the BRIT Awards, have told the British-Japanese artist that they're reviewing their eligibility rules after Sawayama revealed it's "heartbreaking" that she isn't eligible, despite living in the UK for 25 years.

Last week, Sawayama revealed that she wasn't bothered about not making the Mercury Prize shortlist, but was upset that her indefinite leave to remain visa excluded her from being considered.

The Mercury Prize terms and conditions state that solo artists must have British or Irish nationality to enter. Those that enter also have to send documentation proving their citizenship to the organisers. It's a similar story for the BRIT Awards too, as artists have to have a UK passport to be eligible for the British awards. Sawayama's eligibility for the BRITs could be fixed with a dual citizenship, but it's impossible for her as Japan doesn't allow dual nationality, meaning she would have to cut ties with her birthplace.

Over the weekend, Sawayama confirmed that the BPI are looking at making changes to their eligibility rules. She told BBC Newsbeat, "I'm really, really happy. I just want all the little Rinas around the world who immigrate to the UK as children, for whatever reason, to feel as though they can achieve greatness through just hard work and also be awarded for it."

Elton John, who called Sawayama's debut LP his "favourite album of the year", shared a post on Instagram about the BPI reviewing the rules. He wrote, "I’m happy to hear that the BPI are reviewing the rules that led to Rina Sawayama’s well-deserved album being snubbed from this year’s Mercury Prize list of nominees."

He continued, "Rina has lived in Britain for 25 years with a right of UK permanent residency. Her talents have been shaped by a cross-cultural mix of musical influences and Britain is a richer place with her creating music here. We need to recognise artists like Rina because they reflect the beautifully diverse world we all share."

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I’m happy to hear that the @bpi are reviewing the rules that led to Rina Sawayama’s well-deserved album being snubbed from this year’s @mercuryprize list of nominees. Rina has lived in Britain for 25 years with a right of UK permanent residency. Her talents have been shaped by a cross-cultural mix of musical influences and Britain is a richer place with her creating music here. We need to recognise artists like Rina because they reflect the beautifully diverse world we all share. @rinasonline

A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Aug 1, 2020 at 5:00am PDT