From left: Lead assessor for the Best New Artist Award Dike Okoh, winner Lily Beau, and MU Regional Organiser Andy Warnock, who presented the prize. Photo: ©️BlackWelshMusicAwards2025.
The first Welsh Black Music Awards (BWMA) took place at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff on 4 October, marking a historic celebration of Black Welsh artistry.
The Musicians’ Union was a proud sponsor of the inaugural event, with Andy Warnock, MU Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England presenting the Best New Artist Award.
This year’s shortlist reflected an impressive mix of genres—from Afrobeats and Gospel to R&B and Welsh-language music—highlighting the depth, innovation, and cultural richness of Wales’s Black music community.
High profile patrons also include Dame Shirley Bassey, Levi Roots and Sir Nick Young.
Congratulations to Lily Beau
The Best New Artist Award was presented to Lily Beau for her single ‘Run with Me’.
The category highlighted the impressive talent emerging from Wales’ Black music scene, with strong nominations from Cullzia (‘Don’t Save Her’) and Jessica Kay (‘Lean In’).
Catch up on all the award winners.
More from BWMA
Following the success of the awards night, BWMA has announced two exciting initiatives to continue elevating and connecting Black Welsh talent.
The Indigo@O2 Arena Showcase will feature live sets, special guests, and performances by both the founder and award winners. It takes place on 2 May 2026 at 6pm at the O2 London, with tickets available now.
The BWMA Level Up Creative Industry Meet-Up will be held on Wednesday 5 November 2025 at 12 noon at the Youth Platform, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. Open to musicians, backstage artists, technicians, performers, stage managers, and design creatives, this inclusive event embodies BWMA’s bilingual ethos—‘Camu i Fyny’ (Level Up)—reflecting both its cultural roots and international ambition. Reserve your free ticket today.
For full details and updates, visit the Black Welsh Music Awards online.