Speech Debelle is leaving south London over traffic problems

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Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle is quitting south London because she can't stand the traffic and parking problems in the area.

The 26-year-old rapper, who pocketed the £20,000 prize last week, was once homeless on the mean streets south of the river - but today announced she's heading north.

Relocate: Speech Debelle is moving to north London

She said she was 'sick and tired' of the traffic and parking problems in south London and that she couldn't drive faster than 20mph because of the congestion.

"Its a real nightmare to drive round here, and don't even talk to me about parking. "At least in North London I can get above 20mph."

The south London singer, who was born in Crystal Palace and was living at her mum's house in Streatham when she won the award, said she would 'keep her feet on the ground' after the 'big move'.

"Nothing has really changed. I will still always be about the music. I think the album deserved to win."

Miss Debelle, real name Corynne Elliot, was transformed overnight from a little known artist selling less than 3,000 copies of her debut album, Speech Therapy, to an overnight sensation when she won the prestigious award.

The singer said her album's lyrics were inspired by the time she spent homeless on the streets of south London.

She added: "I have always wanted to broaden my horizons."

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