Sheku Kanneh-Mason, 20, became the first black musician to win BBC Musician of the Year in its 38-year history in 2016 (Picture: Getty; Rex)

The cellist who played at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding has received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list at the young age of 20.

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent with his siblings three years ago, was chosen to perform at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s ceremony under the direction of renowned conductor Christopher Warren-Green in May 2018.

He described the day as ‘amazing’ and said he would ‘remember it for the rest of his life’.

But today, the Nottingham-raised star had another unforgettable moment when he was honoured for his services to music.




Kanneh-Mason, who became the first black musician to win BBC Musician of the Year in its 38-year history in 2016, said he was ‘absolutely thrilled’ to receive his MBE.

The star said he was ‘thrilled’ to receive his MBE

He was chosen to perform at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s ceremony under the direction of renowned conductor Christopher Warren-Green in May 2018 (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

After getting the news, the cellist paid tribute to his parents, Antiguan luxury hotel business manager Stuart Mason and former university lecturer Dr. Kadiatu Kanneh from Sierra Leone, for instilling a love of music in their children from an early age.

He said: ‘I was so lucky to have the dedicated support of my parents in giving me the opportunity to have specialist music lessons from a young child.

‘I also had incredible support from the state schools I attended in Nottingham where music was promoted for its value in developing listening skills, teamwork, self-expression and hard work.

‘The love and enjoyment for this great art is something that should be available to everyone, regardless of background.’

Kanneh-Mason – who released his successful debut album Inspiration in 2018 – added that he felt inspired by working with programmes dedicated to musical training for young people.

Kanneh-Mason became the youngest ever cellist to score an album in the top 20 on the Official Albums Chart last year (Picture: PA)

This includes London Music Masters, which helps to train musicians from inner-city schools in the UK capital and Future Talent, which supports talented musicians from low-income backgrounds.

He said: ‘I am committed to continuing my work with organisations such as London Music Masters and Future Talent to reinforce the benefits of access to music for all young people.’

The young man, who performed again for the royals at this year’s Royal Variety Performance, reportedly donated £3,000 to his former state school last year in order to help pupils continue cello lessons.

Olivia Newton-John, Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Trevor Bayliss and Sir Elton John were also among the stars recognised in this year’s New Year Honours list.

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