Newport rapper and producer Lemfreck has taken home the 2024 Welsh Music Prize for his powerful album Blood, Sweat and Fears. At Tuesday night’s ceremony, held at Cardiff’s iconic Wales Millennium Centre, Lemfreck, real name Lemarl Freckleton, beat tough competition from fellow nominees like Skindred, Gruff Rhys, and Aleighcia Scott, walking away with the £10,000 prize. The event marked the opening of the Llais Music Festival, which is also part of the wider Cardiff Music City Festival.
The 30-year-old artist thanked his parents during his acceptance speech, saying, “As a young Black kid, they always told me I could do anything and be anything,” a heartfelt moment that clearly resonated with the crowd.
The night wasn’t just about new talent. Welsh hip-hop pioneers Eric Martin and DJ Jaffa were honored with the Welsh Music Inspiration Award for their career-long contributions to the scene, capping off an exciting night for Welsh music.
Lemfreck’s win sets the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable festival celebrating the rich diversity of Wales’ music scene!
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