L E M F R E C K has won the Welsh Music Prize 2024 for his album Blood, Sweat & Fears.
The Newport-born, London-based artist triumphed at the prize’s 14th annual awards ceremony, which took place at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on Tuesday (8 October).
Speaking after accepting the award and the accompanying £10,000 prize money from host Siân Eleri, L E M F R E C K said: ‘Thanks to my mum and my dad: as a young Black kid growing up, they constantly told me I could do anything and be anything.
‘This one goes to my community in Newport. If I didn’t see Benji [Webbe from shortlisted artist Skindred] doing it first, I’m telling you now, I would not be able to do this, so I’d like to thank him.
‘I’d like to talk about how important representation is… it’s not a box tick when artists like myself win awards like this. It’s a confirmation of art.’
The Welsh Music Prize, which honours the best album made in Wales or by Welsh people around the world over the past year, is supported by Creative Wales, Cardiff Council, PRS for Music, PPL and Help Musicians and forms part of the Cardiff Music City Festival.
John Hywel Morris, Senior Relationship Manager for Wales at PRS for Music, said: 'The Welsh Music Prize is an important date in the industry calendar, providing a platform that celebrates the unique voices and artistic styles found across the Welsh music scene.
'We are proud to continue our support of these awards which highlight our talented Welsh songwriter and composer community at its creative best.'
You can see the full shortlist for the Welsh Music Prize 2024 below.
- Aleighcia Scott - Windrush Baby
- Angharad – Motherland
- Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard – Skinwalker
- CHROMA - Ask for Angela
- Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog - Mynd â'r tŷ am dro
- Elkka - Prism of Pleasure
- Georgia Ruth - Cool Head
- Gruff Rhys - Sadness Sets Me Free
- HMS Morris - Dollar Lizard Money Zombie
- L E M F R E C K - Blood, Sweat & Fears
- Mellt - Dim Dwywaith
- Pys Melyn – Bolmynydd
- Skindred – Smile
- Slate – Deathless
- Ynys - Dosbarth Nos
