Special music award to Gruff Rhys

A SPECIAL event in Aberystwyth last week celebrated the contribution of North Wales musician Gruff Rhys (pictured) to Welsh contemporary music.

The event was part of ‘Gwobrau’r Selar’ – the annual awards weekend hosted by Welsh language music magazine Y Selar.

For the last five years, the categories have included a ‘Special Contribution’ award which is presented to an artist who has had significant impact and influence over a long period.

This year the winner was former Ffa Coffi Pawb and Super Furry Animals frontman, Gruff Rhys, now also a successful solo artist.

The event was at the Studio in Aberystwyth Arts Centre, with BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio Cymru presenter, Huw Stephens, hosting. Huw quizzed Gruff about his career, and the musician also performed a number of his well known songs.

The winners of the other categories are voted for by the public, but the ‘Special Contribution’ award winner is selected by Y Selar’s editorial team.

Former winners of the award are Datblygu, Geraint Jarman, Heather Jones, and last year’s winners Mark Roberts and Paul Jones (Y Cyrff/ Catatonia/Y Ffyrc).

Owain Schiavone, Uwch Olygydd Y Selar, said: “Without doubt, Gruff has been one of the most important Welsh musicians of his generation, and indeed of any generation.”

“He has been around since the early 1980s and has continually evolved taking his music way beyond Wales.

“He has remained hugely supportive to the Welsh language.”

“I’m certain Gruff has had a huge influence on a lot of your young musicians today, and played a key part in the development of the exciting and vibrant scene in Wales at the moment.”

Gruff Rhys said: “It’s quite an honour to be named amongst these heroes [the former winners].”