Caernarfon singer-songwriter Dafydd Owain has won the 2026 Welsh music prize with Ymarfer Byw, his second album. The record, which also received the Welsh language album of the year award in August, secured the £10,000 prize ahead of 14 other albums, including releases by Gruff Rhys, the Royston Club and Art School Girlfriend.
Owain accepted the award at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre on Wednesday. He recalled performing there as a 16-year-old choir member and pretending to sing because he feared making a mistake. He said the album involved many contributors and described the win as a privilege.
Huw Stephens, who co-founded the prize in 2011, praised the album’s musical quality and Owain’s personal lyrics. The award is now in its 16th year; last year’s winner was producer Don Leisure for Tyrchu Sain, while earlier recipients include Gwenno, Kelly Lee Owens and Deyah.
Swansea singer Mary Hopkin also received the Welsh music inspiration award for her contribution to music. Hopkin was among the first artists signed to Apple Records, the Beatles’ label, in 1968.