Dafydd Owain’s second album wins the 2026 Welsh music prize
Singer-songwriter Dafydd Owain has been awarded the 2026 Welsh Music Prize for his second album, Ymarfer Byw. The emotionally charged record secured a £10,000 prize after outperforming 14 other nominees, including works by Gruff Rhys and the Royston Club. The ceremony also honored Swansea singer Mary Hopkin with the Welsh Music Inspiration Award for her significant contributions to the industry.
- ▪Dafydd Owain won the 2026 Welsh Music Prize with his album Ymarfer Byw, which was praised for its musical excellence and personal lyrics.
- ▪The award, now in its 16th year, comes with a cash prize of £10,000 and was presented at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
- ▪Mary Hopkin, one of the first artists signed to Apple Records, received the Welsh Music Inspiration Award at the same ceremony.
- ▪Owain's album had previously won the Welsh language album of the year award in August 2026.
- ▪Past winners of the prize include Gwenno, Kelly Lee Owens, and Deyah.
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‘It’s such a privilege to win’ … Dafydd Owain receives his award at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Photograph: Welsh Music PrizeView image in fullscreen‘It’s such a privilege to win’ … Dafydd Owain receives his award at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Photograph: Welsh Music PrizeMusicDafydd Owain’s second album wins the 2026 Welsh music prizeYmarfer Byw, which was praised for its ‘musical excellence’, beat 14 other albums to the prize of £10,000Michael CraggThu 8 Oct 2026 08.00 EDTLast modified on Thu 8 Oct 2026 08.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleSinger-songwriter Dafydd Owain has won the 2026 Welsh music prize with his second album Ymarfer Byw.The emotionally charged record, which also won Welsh language album of the year in August, beat albums by the likes of…
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