Kelly Lee Owens wins Welsh Music Prize 2021 with second album Inner Song

After being shortlisted for this year's Welsh Music Prize alongside albums by Gruff Rhys, The Anchoress, Novo Amor, Afro Cluster, El Goodo, Pys Melyn, Private World and more, Kelly Lee Owens was awarded the 2021 prize for her second album Inner Song, following last year's winner Deyah, who picked up the award for her Care City album.

Kelly Lee Owens was decided as the 2021 winner by a panel of judges including musician/composer Angharad Jenkins, Music Week editor Mark Sutherland, Radio X's Polly James, BBC Radio Cymru's Sian Eleri and more.

The musician said of her win to Huw Stephens over Zoom, "It feels amazing. As a Welsh artist, to be recognised by your country, ultimately for me, is the greatest honour."

"I'm so passionate about Wales and I want everyone to know where I'm from," she added.

This year's Welsh Music Prize also saw Kelly Lee Owens awarded the first ever prize fund of £10,000.

The winner of the Welsh Music Prize 2021 is…

Inner Song by @kellyleeowens

Kelly also receives the first ever prize fund of £10,000 - congratulations! @welshgocreative @creuyngNghymru pic.twitter.com/CFqcDQhfJi

— Welsh Music Prize (@welshmusicprize) November 23, 2021