Dafydd Owain wins 2026 Welsh music prize for Ymarfer Byw

Singer-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 Gruff Rhys, the Royston Club and Art School Girlfriend to the prize of £10,000.

Emotional acceptance at Cardiff ceremony

Receiving the award at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on Wednesday, Owain, from Caernarfon, north-west Wales, told the BBC: “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 … 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.”

During his acceptance speech, Owain spoke of his first performance at the same Cardiff venue as a 16-year-old choir member: “I mimed the whole thing because I was ... scared of making a bum note,” he recalled. “It’s weird to have an award for what’s essentially singing now.”

Prize founders and past winners

Huw Stephens, who co-founded the prize in 2011, praised Ymarfer Byw’s “musical excellence” and Owain’s “very personal and moving lyrics”.

Past winners of the award, now in its 16th year, include Gwenno, Kelly Lee Owens and Deyah. Producer Don Leisure took home last year’s award for his album, Tyrchu Sain.

Swansea singer Mary Hopkin, who was one of the first artists signed to the Beatles’ label Apple Records in 1968, was also honoured at this year’s ceremony, receiving the Welsh music inspiration award for her contribution to music.