Five Black Welsh artists and cultural leaders

With music awards season underway, and major moments like the Welsh Music Prize and the first-ever Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA) just around the corner, there’s no better time to spotlight the artists and industry leaders redefining the sound of Welsh music.

From soulful singers to bilingual rappers, global performers to grassroots champions, these individuals represent just a slice of the breadth, depth, and brilliance of Black talent shaping Welsh music today. But as they break new ground, they continue to face significant structural barriers.

That’s why we're supporting initiatives like the newly launched Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA), created to celebrate and support underrepresented Black talent in Wales.

Whether they’re lighting up Glastonbury, mentoring the next generation behind the scenes, or breaking language barriers in the studio – these are the ones to watch, and the ones already making waves.

If you’ve caught any of Adjua’s recent live performances, you already know she’s in a league of her own. The Welsh-Ghanaian artist blends indie R&B, Afro, jazz, and neo-soul into a soulful, experiential sound that earned her a shortlist nomination for Best R&B/Soul at the BWMA.

Following a standout performance at the Welsh Music Prize showcase in 2024, Glastonbury, and SXSW in both Austin and London with FOCUS Wales in 2025, Adjua continues to carve out her space across the UK and beyond.   

A regular on the BBC Radio Wales A-List, her rich vocals and emotion-filled lyrics bring a fresh energy to the Welsh music scene.

Best known as a powerful voice in both broadcasting and music advocacy, Mirain Iwerydd is a key figure championing emerging talent from across Wales.

A tastemaker for Welsh music, she hosts the Welsh-language new music show every Wednesday night on BBC Radio Cymru, spotlighting fresh sounds and rising artists across genres.

But her influence goes far beyond the studio. As the lead host of the first Black Welsh Music Awards (BWMA), Mirain plays a pivotal role in platforming Black talent and driving representation within the Welsh music industry.

Don’t miss her TikTok series ‘A Welsh track a day to keep your playlist slay’, where she shares essential Welsh-language tracks to level up your listening.

With a 2024 EP that made serious waves, Lily Beau is confidently stepping into the spotlight. She’s already picked up nominations for Best New Artist and Best Songwriter at the Black Welsh Music Awards and was handpicked by BBC Introducing and 1Xtra for a coveted recording session at Maida Vale.

Her blend of vulnerability, smooth vocals, and sharp songwriting makes her one of the most exciting voices in the next wave of R&B and pop in Wales. Keep her on your radar; this is just the beginning.

If you’re talking about boundary-pushing artists, Sage Todz  is a name to know. Fusing drill and grime with Welsh, he’s proving that rap in Cymraeg hits just as hard.

Nominated for the 2025 Welsh Music Prize and multiple categories at the BWMA, including Best Welsh Language Track, Best Album, and Best Hip Hop/Rap/Grime Track, Todz is part of a rising wave of artists redefining what Welsh-language music can be.

Bold, bilingual, and unapologetically proud of his roots, he’s putting Welsh rap firmly on the map.

On stage, Tumi Williams – aka trailblazing emcee Skunkadelic and frontman of Afro Cluster – is instantly recognisable. His signature sound, infused with the influence of his Nigerian roots, brings purpose, power, and energy to every performance – earning him a Welsh Music Prize nomination with Afro Cluster in 2021. But behind the scenes, his focus is firmly on lasting impact.

Through his company Starving Artists, Tumi has become a cornerstone of the Welsh music scene, building opportunities for Black artists and music of Black origin across the country.

From artist development and events to youth mentoring, Tumi is a cultural architect, shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future for Black artists and Welsh music.

Hungry for more? Dive into our features, creative spotlights, and behind-the-scenes insights to discover how we are supporting talent across our Welsh creative industries.