Newport rapper Lemfreck has taken home the prestigious 2024 Welsh Music Prize for his album “Blood, Sweat and Fears,” beating out tough competition from rockers Skindred and singer Gruff Rhys. The talented artist, whose real name is Lemarl Freckleton, was awarded £10,000 at a ceremony held at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre.
The 30-year-old expressed his gratitude to his parents for instilling in him the belief that he could achieve anything, especially as a young black kid growing up. He also credited fellow Newport musician Benji Webbe from Skindred for paving the way for artists like himself.
In his acceptance speech, Lemfreck emphasized the importance of representation in the music industry, stating that winning awards like this is not just a box to tick, but a validation of artistic talent.
In addition to Lemfreck’s win, Welsh hip-hop pioneers Eric Martin and DJ Jaffa were honored with the Welsh Music Inspiration Award for their significant contributions to music. Martin, known for his work with Technotronic, and DJ Jaffa, a veteran Cardiff producer, were recognized for their groundbreaking mixes of reggae and hip-hop that helped shape the hip-hop scene in Wales.
The event was a celebration of Welsh music talent, with previous winners of the Welsh Music Inspiration Award including notable figures such as Dafydd Iwan, David Edwards, and Mike Peters. Lemfreck’s win solidifies his place in the Welsh music scene and highlights the diversity and creativity of artists in the region.
