Dafydd Owain has won the 2026 Welsh Music Prize and its £10,000 award for his album Ymarfer Byw, at a ceremony at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on Wednesday evening.
The album grew out of a particularly blurred and emotionally intense period in the singer-songwriter’s life, gathering thoughts and emotions he was struggling to make sense of at the time of recording. Despite its darker themes, it finds space for moments of light, humour and beauty.
Ymarfer Byw was also named Welsh Language Album of the Year at the National Eisteddfod this summer.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales after picking up the 16th annual Welsh Music Prize, Dafydd Owain said: “It’s just amazing, isn’t it? Such talented, amazing artists on the shortlist. There’s a multitude of people that contribute to creating any album, and it’s not a solo project, even though we call it a solo project. It takes a village to raise an album.. I just hope, if anything, this album and this award mean I’m able to create more music. But it’s such a privilege to win in such esteemed company.”
Huw Stephens, who co-founded the Welsh Music Prize in 2011, said: “Dafydd Owain’s album has had a huge reaction since it was released, and the Welsh Music Prize judges this year agreed this was the 2026 winner. It’s an album of musical excellence, coupled with Dafydd’s very personal and moving lyrics. A huge congratulations to him and all who contributed to the album.”
The 15-strong shortlist also included ADJUA, Aleighcia Scott, Ani Glass, Art School Girlfriend, Cerys Hafana, CHROMA, Dewin, Gruff Rhys, Gwenifer Raymond, Local, Mari Mathias, Skindred, The Bug Club and The Royston Club. The ceremony was part of Cardiff Music City Festival, which runs from 2 to 17 October.
Mary Hopkin, who was raised in Pontardawe, was recognised with the Welsh Music Inspiration Award. It was accepted on the evening by her daughter, Jessica Lee Morgan, who performed a medley of her mother’s hits.
Hopkin shot to global fame in 1968 with her debut single Those Were the Days and became one of the first artists signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records. Her career saw her produce UK number-one hits alongside Paul McCartney, represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest and collaborate with artists including David Bowie, Vangelis and Yusuf / Cat Stevens.
Mary Hopkin said: “I’m very grateful for this honour. I don’t feel worthy at all of achieving it, but thank you, everyone. It’s wonderful.”
The award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the Welsh music scene. Previous winners have included Pino Palladino, Dafydd Iwan, Mike Peters and Meic Stevens.
The Triskel Award, given annually to three emerging artists to support their career development and progression, went to Mwsog, Casual Smart and Betsan. Live performers listed for the event included Adjua, Local, Dafydd Owain and Gwenifer Raymond, alongside PPL Momentum Sbardun | Accelerator Fund winners Papaya Noon.
The Welsh Music Prize is supported by the Welsh Government through Creative Wales and by Cardiff Council as part of Cardiff Music City Festival.
Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan said: “This fantastic awards ceremony is an opportunity to come together to celebrate our thriving Welsh music scene and the incredible breadth of genres and talent – something that’s truly reflected in this year’s outstanding shortlist – and what an iconic venue to see so many of them perform. To everyone nominated this year, I’m excited to see what comes next on their artistic journeys and celebrate further the important contribution they make to the culture of Wales.”
Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “The Welsh Music Prize is always a highlight of Cardiff Music City Festival and we’re proud to support it once again this year.”
