MAXING OUT: WMG
ROLLS AT THE BRITS

Warner Music U.K. acts won six of the 11 trophies handed out during Wednesday’s BRIT Awards, outpacing its Big Three rivals.

Newcomers Dua Lipa and Stormzy both scored double wins, the former nabbing British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist, while the latter won British Male Solo Artist and Mastercard British Album of the Year for Gang Signs & Prayer. Ed Sheeran was named Global Success, and Gorillaz was voted British Group. Dua Lipa, Stormzy and Sheeran performed on the telecast live from London’s O2 Arena, as did Warner acts Liam Gallagher and Rita Ora.

The half dozen wins prompted a statement from a delighted Max Lousada, who trumpeted, “Tonight was a celebration of the unprecedented opportunities for homegrown U.K. talent on the global stage. Artists like Dua, Stormzy, Ed, Liam, Rita and Gorillaz are making hugely popular and influential music that is moving culture and cascading throughout the world. Congratulations to all the winners, nominees and performers, and thank you for making music, and life, more dynamic and exciting.”

Keeping it in the family, Warner/Chappell had a big night well too, as the pubco’s songwriters won or played integral roles in seven awards. Contributors to the haul were Stormzy, Rag N’ Bone Man, Kendrick Lamar, Gorillaz and Ian Kirkpatrick, who co-wrote both Dua singles.