Rogue Jones have been announced as the 2023 winners of the Welsh Music Prize.
The Carmarthenshire pop duo received the award and the accompanying £10,000 prize fund during last night's ceremony (10 October) at the Donald Gordon Theatre, which is located at Cardiff's Wales Millennium Centre.
Honoured for their second album Dos Bebés, Rogue Jones' Bethan Mai said about the recognition: 'I’m a bit speechless. Hearing [our] name was bonkers, I’m feeling absolutely over the moon. It’s been a long time coming [this album] and we’re really proud of it. It means the world, I can’t really put it into words, I’m literally humbled. It’s great that people have listened to the album and enjoyed it to the extent that they have.
'What’s next? We have a young family so we will work around that. This money will make that so much easier. Especially when you have a young family to support, this money will mean we can carry on doing what we love — getting the music into people’s bones and people’s hearts.'
Previous winners of the Welsh Music Prize include Adwaith, Kelly Lee Owens and Gruff Rhys.
Hosted by BBC Radio 1 presenter Sian Eleri, last night's ceremony also featured a host of live performances. PPL Momentum Music Fund recipient Hana Lili was one such performer, marking 10 years of the fund.
Kate Reilly, Chief Membership & People Officer at PPL, said: 'The Welsh Music Prize is a well-established and respected award, which PPL has been a long term supporter of. All of the nominees are highly deserving of this recognition of their creativity in a country that has such a strong cultural sector.
'Rogue Jones are very worthy of special congratulations for winning this prestigious award, which showcases some of the highest quality musical creations in Wales and, indeed, the UK.'
John Hywel Morris, Senior Relationship Manager for Wales at PRS for Music, added: ‘This year, the Welsh Music Prize has once again highlighted revered and diverse talent from across the Welsh music community. PRS for Music is delighted to continue its support for this prestigious accolade, which champions the best new music in Wales.
‘Congratulations to all those nominated and to the winners Rogue Jones for Dos Bebés, a truly deserving body of work.’
You can see the full shortlist for the 2023 Welsh Music Prize below.
Cerys Hafana - Edyf
CVC - Get Real
Dafydd Owain - Uwch Dros y Pysgod
H. Hawkline - Milk For Flowers
Hyll - Sŵn o'r Stafell Arall
Ivan Moult - Songs From Severn Grove
John Cale - Mercy
Mace the Great - SplottWorld
Minas - All My Love Has Failed Me
Overmono - Good Lies
Rogue Jones - Dos Bebés
Sister Wives - Y Gawres
Stella Donnelly - Flood
Sŵnami– Swnamii
YNYS – Ynys
