Afro funk, hip-hop, and folk are just some of the genres recognised in this year’s Welsh Music Prize – an annual award celebrating the best new music created in Wales. Previous editions have revered past winners such as Gruff Rhys, Gwenno, Boy Azooga and last year’s winner Deyah.
The shortlisted albums have been whittled down from a long list of 129 albums by the 100+ Welsh Music Prize jurors. Next month a panel of music industry judges will then have the difficult task of choosing one of the 12 nominated albums for the coveted prize.
The 2021 winner will follow in a long succession of artists and albums which have gone on to national and international success. Last year’s winning album, Care City by Deyah was a powerful self-produced album chosen for its fusion of laid-back beats, lyrical flow and occasional song from the Cardiff raised MC who tackles subjects such as addiction, isolation and healing.
The Welsh Music Prize event will return to Cardiff following an online-only ceremony last year due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Huw Stephens, said:
“Every year we are blown away by the outstanding music talent in Wales. The wide variety of talent we have in the shortlist is great to see; it’s a really strong shortlist of albums. It’s been a tough year for the music industry with events being cancelled and postponed, so there’s never been a better time to support Welsh artists. Our judges will decide on a winning album, but I hope people listen to all the nominees; the quality is exceptionally high.”
Peter Leathem, Chief Executive Officer at PPL, said:
“This shortlist is a celebration of the diversity of Welsh music. Afro-funk, blues, rap, folk, Latin, techno and psychedelia are among the many genres represented here in a fantastic selection of Welsh albums from the last year.
“Congratulations to all those shortlisted. It is clear Wales continues to be a rich source of musical talent.”
Listen to #WMP2021 ‘s shortlisted albums, here.