Caernarfon songwriter wins Welsh music prize for second album
Dafydd Owain, a singer-songwriter from Caernarfon in north-west Wales, has won the 2026 Welsh music prize for his second album Ymarfer Byw. The album, which was previously awarded Welsh language album of the year in August, beat 14 other albums including releases from Gruff Rhys, the Royston Club and Art School Girlfriend, securing a £10,000 prize. The award, which celebrates musical excellence and recognises artists for their achievements in Welsh music, comes at a significant moment for Owain, who expressed hope that this recognition would enable him to create more music.
The award ceremony took place at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on Wednesday, marking the 16th year of the prize which was founded in 2011. During his acceptance speech, Owain recalled his first performance at the same venue as a 16-year-old choir member, where he had mimed the entire performance out of fear. Past winners include Gwenno, Kelly Lee Owens and Deyah, and the ceremony also honoured Mary Hopkin with a Welsh music inspiration award, recognising the Swansea singer's contributions to music since being one of the first artists signed to the Beatles' Apple Records in 1968.
- Welsh singer-songwriter Dafydd Owain wins music prize with emotionally charged album.
- The album Ymarfer Byw also won Welsh language album of the year.
- Prize comes with £10,000 award; beats 14 other albums on shortlist.
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Wales is a country within the United Kingdom with its own language, Welsh, which remains widely spoken in parts of the country. Music performed in Welsh is an important part of Welsh cultural heritage and has dedicated audiences and supporters.
The Welsh music prize has been awarded annually since 2011 to recognise excellence in Welsh music. The award comes with a £10,000 prize and has previously been won by artists such as Gwenno and Kelly Lee Owens, helping to raise the profile of Welsh language musicians.
For emerging artists working in Welsh, national recognition and financial support are particularly valuable in building sustainable careers. Awards like this help ensure that Welsh language music remains a vibrant part of the country's cultural life.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Dafydd Owain’s second album wins the 2026 Welsh music prize”.