Lemfreck, a rapper and producer hailing from Newport, recently made headlines by winning the prestigious 2024 Welsh Music Prize for his album “Blood, Sweat and Fears.” In a competitive lineup that featured established names like Skindred and Gruff Rhys, Lemfreck stood out and took home a £10,000 prize.
At the award ceremony held on Tuesday night at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre, a jubilant Lemfreck, whose real name is Lemarl Freckleton, accepted his trophy with pride. During his heartfelt acceptance speech, the 30-year-old expressed his deep 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 the Newport community and acknowledged the influence of Skindred’s Benji Webbe, saying, “If I didn’t see Benji doing it first, I’m telling you now, I would not be able to do this, so I’d like to thank him.” Lemfreck highlighted the significance of representation in the music industry, noting, “It’s not just a box tick when artists like myself win awards like this – it’s a confirmation of art.”
Alongside Lemfreck’s achievement, Welsh hip-hop pioneers Eric Martin and DJ Jaffa received the Welsh Music Inspiration Award for their tremendous contributions to the music scene throughout their careers. Eric Martin, also known as MC Eric and Me One, is a Jamaican-born vocalist and producer famous for co-writing the legendary “Pump Up The Jam” with Technotronic, which sold over 14 million copies in its first year. DJ Jaffa, a veteran Cardiff producer, has been spinning tracks since 1985 and is credited with blending reggae and hip-hop, which has been vital to the development of the hip-hop scene in Wales.
Reflecting on his journey, Martin shared, “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, and I love to see black music in Wales. This is our year.”
The Welsh Music Inspiration Award has a history of honoring influential figures, including Dafydd Iwan, Mike Peters of The Alarm, and Meic Stevens, further emphasizing the rich musical heritage of Wales.
