Rapper and producer Lemfreck has claimed the prestigious 2024 Welsh Music Prize for his album Blood, Sweat and Fears, triumphing over competition from notable artists such as rock band Skindred and singer Gruff Rhys.
The award ceremony took place on Tuesday evening at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, where a jubilant Lemfreck, whose real name is Lemarl Freckleton, was photographed proudly holding his trophy.
During his acceptance speech, the 30-year-old artist expressed gratitude to his parents, stating, “As a young black kid growing up, they constantly told me I could do anything and be anything.” He dedicated his win to his community in Newport, emphasizing the influence of local figures. “If I didn’t see Benji (Webbe, from Newport band Skindred) doing it first, I’m telling you now I would not be able to do this, so I’d like to thank him,” he said.
Lemfreck also highlighted the significance of representation in the music industry, noting, “It’s not a box tick when artists like myself win awards like this – it’s a confirmation of art.”
In addition to Lemfreck’s accolade, Welsh hip-hop pioneers Eric Martin and DJ Jaffa were honored with the Welsh Music Inspiration Award for their significant contributions to music.
Eric Martin, known as MC Eric and Me One, is a Welsh-born Jamaican vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer. He gained fame in the late 1980s as a co-writer of the hit album Pump Up The Jam with Belgium-based Technotronic, which sold over 14 million copies in its first year.
DJ Jaffa, or Jason Farrell, has been a prominent figure in Cardiff’s music scene since 1985. Both Martin and Jaffa are credited with helping to establish the hip-hop scene in Wales through their innovative mixes of reggae and hip-hop.
Reflecting on their careers, Martin stated, “I feel blessed to have been part of a young, vibrant hip-hop scene in Wales.” DJ Jaffa added, “I love music, I love DJing, I love to see black music in Wales. This is our year.”
The Welsh Music Inspiration Award has previously honored notable figures such as Dafydd Iwan, David Edwards, Pat Morgan from Datblygu, Mike Peters of The Alarm, Meredydd Evans, Phylis Kinney, and Meic Stevens.
