Skunk Anansie’s Skin awarded an OBE

Virgin Radio

14 Jun 2021, 17:43

The incredibly talented singer can now add OBE to her list of achievements.

The iconic Skunk Anansie singer has been announced as one of the recipients of an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) award from The Queen in the 2021 Birthday Honours list.

She is credited as a singer, songwriter and author under her real name, Deborah Ann Dyer.

 Skin’s award recognises her ‘Services to Music’.

Previously, Skin picked up an Inspirational Artist Award at the 2018  Awards, and went on to appear as ‘Duck’ on the ITV entertainment show The Masked Singer. 

She wrote on Instagram: “The face you make when you get an OBE!! Not bad for a skinny black girl from Brixton who fell in love with Rock & Roll!!”

 Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared in a statement: “The Queen’s Birthday Honours allow us to pay tribute to all those who have gone above and beyond in their service to this country,” 

“Throughout the pandemic we have seen countless examples of every day heroes. From those using their expertise to help develop life-saving vaccines, which are now being rolled out successfully to all parts of the UK, to the people who have given time and energy to care for their communities.”

Skin also appeared in a special programme on Virgin Radio Pride, called "Comfortable In Her Skin".

Th programme tells the story of her identity and sexuality, growing up in Brixton and taking on the white male-dominated world of rock as a black queer woman.

If you missed it, you can listen on demand here.