Edward Christopher Sheeran was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and raised in Framlingham, Suffolk. In early 2011, he independently released the extended play No. 5 Collaborations Project. His debut album, + ("Plus"), was released in September 2011 and topped the UK Albums Chart. In 2012, he won the Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act. His second album, × ("Multiply"), topped charts around the world upon its release in June 2014. In March 2017, his third album, ÷ ("Divide"), was the best-selling album worldwide of 2017. His fourth album, = ("Equals"), topped the charts in most major markets in 2021.