Dafydd Owain has won the 2026 Welsh Music Prize for his album Ymarfer Byw, taking home the £10,000 award at a ceremony at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff.
Emerging from an emotionally intense period in Dafydd’s life, Ymarfer Byw is a collection of thoughts and emotions that the singer and songwriter was struggling to make sense of at the time of recording. Despite its darker themes, the album finds moments of light, humour and beauty.
The album was also named Welsh Language Album of the Year at the National Eisteddfod this summer.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales after receiving the award, Dafydd said:
"It's just amazing, isn't it? Such talented, amazing artists on the shortlist."
He added: "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."
Celebrating Welsh music
The ceremony formed part of Cardiff Music City Festival, with a shortlist of 15 artists including Gruff Rhys, Skindred, Cerys Hafana, Gwenifer Raymond and The Royston Club.
Welsh folk legend Mary Hopkin was also recognised with the Welsh Music Inspiration Award. Raised in Pontardawe, Mary rose 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 daughter, Jessica Lee Morgan, accepted the award on her behalf and performed a medley of her mother's hits.
The ceremony also saw emerging artists Mwsog, Casual Smart and Betsan receive the Triskel Award, which supports their career development and progression.
The Welsh Music Prize is supported by the Welsh Government through Creative Wales and Cardiff Council as part of Cardiff Music City Festival.
