Swnami win this year's Welsh Language Album of the Year

This was announced at a special ceremony in Caffi Maes B this afternoon.  It is difficult to believe that this is Sŵnami’a first full length album, as their melodious pop songs are so well known throughout Wales. 

This is a direct synth-pop album, far more personal than their previous songs, but much less ambiguous according to the band.  This is a group which has proved very popular across the country and further afield having represented Radio 1 at the Eurosonic Festival in Groningen.

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.

“Swnami’s album has had a great impact this year.  The songs are all popular and appeal to a wide audience.  This is a pop album which has bridged the generations, which is something quite rare.  Swnami have managed to create an album which appeals to people of all ages.

“This is the first time a pop album has won the Welsh Language Album of the Year prizes.  Last year’s winner was Gwenno Saunders with her conceptual album, Y Dydd Olaf, which proved very popular.

“The first winner two years ago was The Gentle Good for his conceptual album, Y Bardd Anfarwol, an album which inspired Wyn Mason with his play, Rhith Gân, which won last year’s  Drama Medal, and which is being performed every night this week on the Maes.”

This year’s adjudicators were Casi Wyn, Dwynwen Morgan, Elan Evans, Sioned Webb, Elliw Iwan, Siôn Llwyd, Gwion Llwyd, Ifan Dafydd and Richard Rees.

This year’s shortlist was:

• 9 Bach - Anian
• Alun Gaffey
• Band Pres Llareggub - Mwng
• Brython Shag
• Calan - Dinas
• Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog - IV
• Datblygu - Porwr Trallod
• Plu - Tir a Golau
• Swnami
• Yucatan - Uwch Gopa’r Mynydd

Swnami will receive a specially commissioned trophy, made by blacksmith Ann Catrin Evans.