A Machynlleth musician has been recognised as one of the most acclaimed voices in Welsh music with a nomination for a highly coveted award.

Multi-instrumentalist and singer Cerys Hafana has been nominated for the 2023 Welsh Music Prize, being shortlisted among 15 artists in the running for the prestigious award.

Cerys Hafana’s second album, Edyf, was nominated for the prize, after the album received praise for its rendition of several Welsh folk songs performed with a triple harp.

Taking to social media to celebrate her nomination, Cerys said: “Very happy that my silly little album has been shortlisted for the Welsh Music Prize , and honoured that she's in such good company too.

“Thank you to everyone who played a part in making the album and in the slightly mad year that has followed the release.”

 

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The annual award celebrates the best and most acclaimed voices in Welsh music, made in Wales or by Welsh artists around the world. The prize is open to albums of all genres and styles. The award was founded in 2011 and previous nominees include Manic Street Preachers and Cate Le Bon.

Welsh Music Prize co-founder, Huw Stephens said: “This year’s shortlist is another great collection of albums from Wales. The Welsh Music Prize is a globally recognised award and an important part of Wales’ music calendar, and this year’s line up at the Welsh Music Prize promises to make it a very special night.”

The Judges for Welsh Music Prize 2023 are Dave Acton of Larynx Entertainment, Huw Baines of The Guardian, NME and Kerrang, music journalist Tegwen Bruce Deans, Mirain Iwerydd of BBC Radio Cymru, Nest Jenkins from ITV Cymru Wales and Virgin Radio’s Eddy Temple Morris.

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Edyf was also selected by The Guardian as one of the top ten best folk albums of 2022.

Music critic Jude Rogers wrote: “Brilliant triple-harpist Hafana continues to dig deep to explore the possibilities of her instrument, as well as neglected corners of Welsh song that speak to our anxious present (it’s no accident that edyf is an old Welsh word for “thread”).

“Celtic summer carols, psalm tunes and hymns shudder gorgeously.”

The winners will be announced at this year’s awards ceremony at the Wales Millenium Centre on October 10, presented by BBC Radio 1 presenter Sian Eleri.