The Last Mixed Tape

Euro-Country Review
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CMAT’s Ivor Novello Speech and the Question Most Pop Stars Won’t Answer

CMAT’s acceptance speech for the Ivor Novello Award for Euro-Country sparked significant discussion by challenging artists to confront rising fascism. Her remarks, set against a backdrop of political tension and recent events in Dublin, underline her advocacy for marginalized communities and raise questions about artists’ responsibilities during social upheaval.

Stephen White
1–2 minutes

When CMAT accepted the Ivor Novello Award for Euro-Country, she used her speech to deliver a direct challenge to fellow artists.

“It is not the time to sit on the fence. Fascism is on the rise.”

The speech quickly became one of the most discussed moments in British and Irish music, but it did not emerge in isolation. It arrived during a period of growing political tension, following controversial comments from former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and just days after the death of Yves Sakila in Dublin.

This week, Stephen White explores how CMAT’s speech connects to the themes of Euro-Country, her long-standing support for marginalised communities, and a broader question about the role artists play during moments of social and political upheaval.

At its heart, this is a story about authenticity, responsibility, and what a platform is actually for.


The Last Mixed Tape is hosted by Stephen White, and is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.


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CMAT’s confronted Bertie Ahern once again at the Ivor Novello Awards

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