Boy Azooga win Welsh Music Prize
CARDIFF band Boy Azooga have been named winners of this year’s Welsh Music Prize. The four-piece won the prestigious prize for their album 1, 2, Kung Fu! during an award ceremony at The Exchange Hotel, Cardiff Bay, on Wednesday evening.
The album was chosen by a panel of industry experts from a shortlist of 12 albums representing the scope of the music being produced in Wales.
Boy Azooga’s debut album is piloted by frontman Davey Newington, who is joined by friends Daf Davies, Dylan Morgan and Sam Barnes to form the live outfit.
Released on Heavenly records in June, it has put the Welsh outfit firmly on radio playlists and on one-to-watch lists up and down the UK.
Upon winning the award, Davey said: “It feels amazing to be recognised along with all the other amazing artists who have won this prize. Thank you!”
Legendary Welsh folk hero Meic Stevens was also honoured with an award on the evening for his contribution to Welsh music – the first recipient of the inaugural Welsh Music Inspiration Award.
Boy Azooga join a line-up of previous prize recipients which include Gruff Rhys (2011), Future of the Left (2012), Georgia Ruth (2013), Joanna Gruesome (2014), Gwenno (2015), Meilyr Jones (2016) and the Gentle Good (2017).
Welsh Music Prize co-founder Huw Stephens said: “Congratulations to Boy Azooga on their Welsh Music Prize award. The judges had a tough job of deciding the winner, but all were agreed that 1, 2, Kung Fu! the debut album by the Cardiff band, was a worthy winner. The quality of music was exceptionally high this year. Boy Azooga have had a remarkable year, and we are all very proud of them.”
The winner was decided by a panel of industry experts made up of Lyndsey Dawkins (The Great Escape), Phil Taggart (BBC Radio 1), Sammy Jones (Metro Wales), Peter Robinson (Popjustice/Guardian), Jude Rogers (Guardian journalist), Minty (Minty’s Gig Guide), and Sioned Edwards (Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru).
The Welsh Music Prize, now in its eighth year, is sponsored by Welsh Government Creative Industries, PPL, PRS for Music with support from Cowshed, British Council Wales, Musicians’ Union and the Exchange Hotel.
Rebecca Gould, head of Arts Wales, British Council, said: “Welsh Music Prize is a major asset for the Welsh music scene, wins and nominations give artists a platform which aids with the recognition and export of Welsh music internationally, showcasing Welsh talent and reaching new audiences around the world.”