London-raised musician Benjamin Clementine has won the prestigious Mercury Prize for his album At Least For Now, dedicating the win to the the still-reeling city of Paris.

The record, which was recorded at RAK Studios in London and produced by both Benjamin and Jonathan Quarmby, beat the likes of Florence + The Machine and Jamie xx to become the latest Album of the Year winner.

Benjamin relocated to Paris after being raised in north London and spent many years busking before he signed a record deal.

English singer Benjamin Clementine performs on the stage during the 30th Victoires de la Musique annual ceremony
Benjamin performing in Paris earlier this year (Jacques Brinon/AP/PA)

Speaking at the award presentation in London, the softly-spoken Benjamin fought back tears as he said: “Before I finish, I just want to say that I dedicate this – I know this is about music – but I dedicate it to what happened about four or five days ago in Paris.”

Twelve acts were shortlisted for the accolade, which was announced at London’s BBC Broadcasting House.

Host DJ Lauren Laverne said before the ceremony it would be difficult to pick a winner, but that the award represented an invaluable opportunity for any nominee.

Soak – 19-year-old Belfast born Bridie Monds-Watson – was nominated for her debut album Before We Forgot How To Dream and described the red carpet experience as “surreal”.

Soak (Bridie Monds-Watson)
Nominee Soak said the red carpet experience was “surreal” (Ian West/PA)

The singer songwriter began writing from the age of 13, but said she had learned from touring with musicians she admires since then.

Former Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes – nominated for his album Matador – said the shortlist spoke volumes of the calibre of the UK’s music industry.

He said: “I think it’s varied, it’s exciting, it’s thriving.”

Gaz Coombes
Gaz Coombes, former frontman of Supergrass (Ian West/PA)

Florence’s How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful competed against established acts such as former nominee Ghostpoet’s third offering, Shedding Skin.

Nominated for his debut album Architect – made in his bedroom in Glasgow – was Scottish composer C Duncan, up against newcomers Wolf Alice with My Love Is Cool, punk duo Slaves and their album Are You Satisfied?, and Zimbabwean-born folk singer Eska’s eponymous offering.

ESKA, Eska Mtungwazi,
Folk singer Eska was one of the nominees (Ian West/PA)

Aphex Twin’s Syro rounded out the nominees.