Bendith have won this year’s Welsh Language Album of the Year for their album, Bendith.
This was announced at a special ceremony in Ty Gwerin this afternoon.
This project between Carwyn Ellis of Colorama and Plu has led to a beautiful collection of songs with vocal harmonies right at their core. The album explores themes such as one’s roots, family and home. Many of the songs have been inspired by Carwyn’s deep rooted connection with Carmarthenshire. The album was recorded in Acapela Studios and co-produced by Mason Neely.
Guto Brychan, one of the organisers of the Welsh Language Album of the Year said, “We had a very eclectic shortlist this year, with all sorts of musical genres represented. And it was great to be able to discuss the albums with such a wide-ranging panel, all experts in their own fields.
“It was obvious from the discussions that Bendith managed to cross artistic boundaries and appeal to a very wide auience, and we very much welcome this. The panel also felt it was a beautiful piece of work which showed Welsh music at its best. Bendith thoroughly deserve this accolade here today.”
This is the fourth time for the Eisteddfod to organise the Welsh Language Album of the Year. Swnami won the competition last year, and Gwenno Saunders two years ago. The first award went to The Gentle Good in 2014.
This year’s panel was Heledd Watkins, Llyr Evans, Huw Roberts, Ywain Myfyr, Katie Hall, Owain Schiavone, John Hywel Morris, Gwyneth Glyn and Ellen Hall, and they came together on the Eisteddfod Maes to discuss the shortlist for this year’s competition.
This year’s shortlist comprised of:
- Band Pres Llareggub – Kurn
- Bendith
- Calan – Solomon
- Castles – Fforesteering
- Gwilym Bowen Rhys – O Groth y Ddaear
- Meinir Gwilym – Llwybrau
- Mr Huw – Gwna dy Feddwl i Lawr
- Ryland Teifi – Man Rhydd
- The Gentle Good – Ruins / Adfeilion
- Yws Gwynedd – Anrheoli
Bendith will receive a specially commissioned trophy, made by blacksmith Ann Catrin Evans.