This Welsh musician just won £10,000 (original) (raw)

L E M F R E C K has won the Welsh Music Prize 2024, scooping up the prestigious award along with a cash prize for his album Blood, Sweat & Fears. The ceremony, held at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, celebrated the best album produced in Wales or by Welsh people globally over the past year.

The 30-year-old, who grew up in Newport has also recently been nominated for Best Presenter at the BAFTA Cymru Awards for his work on the Black Music Wales programme. In his music, L E M F R E C K draws on his experiences as a young person, from his background as a gospel session artist and producer in the pirate grime scene, to his current involvement in South London's vibrant music scene, the winning record is packed with vulnerability, honesty, and life stories.

Speaking from the stage after receiving the 14th annual award from BBC Radio 1's 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. "

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He went on to dedicate his win to Newport, saying: "This one goes to my community in Newport. If I didn’t see Benji [Webbe from Skindred who were also shortlisted for the award] doing it first I’m telling you now I would not be able to do this, so I’d like to thank him."

He also emphasised the significance of representation, adding: "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." Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What's On newsletter here

L E M F R E C K thanked his family after receiving the award (Image: Welsh Music Prize)

Welsh hip-hop trailblazers Eric Martin and DJ Jaffa were also honoured with the Welsh Music Inspiration award at the ceremony, recognising their significant contributions to the nation's music scene. The award has previously been won by singer Dafydd Iwan.

Eric Martin, also known as MC Eric and Me One, is a Welsh-born Jamaican vocalist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music producer, who rose to fame for his involvement with Technotronic in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He co-wrote their classic Pump Up The Jam, multi-platinum album which sold over 14m copies worldwide in its first year.

DJ Jaffa, (also known as Jason Farrell) is a Cardiff-based producer who has been a DJ since 1985. He collaborates with Martin to blend reggae and hip-hop sounds and both are widely credited with pioneering the hip-hop scene in Wales.

Martin said: "I feel blessed to have been part of a young, vibrant, hip-hop scene in Wales. To be seen as a point from which these current, musical breadcrumbs emanate is an honour. I’m both humbled and grateful."

DJ Jaffa added: "I love music, I love DJing, I love to see black music in Wales. This is our year."

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