Stormzy reveals eye injury reason for sunglasses at BRIT Awards

At the 2025 BRIT Awards, Stormzy accepted the award for best British Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act while wearing sunglasses, which he revealed were to conceal a bruised cornea from a recent injury sustained while playing padel, a sport he passionately supports. During his acceptance speech, he humorously noted, 'I'm not being a mad man with shades on inside,' and expressed gratitude to fans while questioning the system of fan-voted awards. Stormzy also recited a quote from Psalms, emphasizing that he believes God has more work for him. The night was mixed for him, with host Jack Whitehall joking about Stormzy's recent collaborations and public persona, reflecting on the contrast between past and present rap culture. In addition to his award, he acknowledged Central Cee as his rap artist of the year, further highlighting his respect for fellow artists. The event featured various performances and recognitions, marking a significant night in the UK music scene.