Cardiff showed up and showed out for the 2025 KLAT Awards which brought together over 200 individuals including artists, thinkers, performers, and dreamers from across Wales and beyond, all under one roof to celebrate creativity and community.
The energy at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House was electric. You could feel it the moment you walked in, the red carpet buzz, the flashes, the nervous smiles, the hugs that said “we made it.” Everyone looked incredible, and even more than that, they looked proud.
And after weeks of build-up, the winners were finally revealed — a mix of familiar faces and new voices shaping what culture looks and feels like right now.
Here’s who took home the awards this year:
Few actors are having a moment quite like Gabin. Known for his work in film and theatre, he’s one of those performers who draws you in quietly without gimmicks, just pure talent and emotional honesty. Whether he’s in front of a camera or commanding a stage, Gabin brings depth to every role. His “Actor to Watch” win feels less like an introduction and more like a nod to a star whose time has truly arrived.
Connor Allen’s voice is one of the most distinctive in Welsh literature today. A poet, playwright, and performer, he writes about grief, growth, masculinity, and identity with a kind of honesty that lingers. Beyond the stage, he mentors young creatives, using storytelling to build community and confidence.
If you’ve ever been to a Monique B set, you know the energy she brings is unmatched. Mixing Afro-house, amapiano, and deep dance grooves, she’s carved out her own lane in Cardiff’s nightlife scene. Her “DJ of the Year” win is a celebration of a woman redefining what it means to move a crowd, both literally and culturally
Rising pop artist Ben Ellis has that rare ability to make songs feel both intimate and stadium-ready. With a sound that combines raw emotion and polished production, his music captures the vulnerability of growing up and chasing dreams. He’s already turning heads with his vocals and stage presence, this award only confirms what’s coming next.
Noah’s work lives where art meets emotion. His visuals, whether digital portraits or conceptual pieces explore identity, culture, and belonging. Born and raised in Cardiff with Moroccan heritage, Noah has used his art to tell stories that often go untold, and his win feels like recognition for a new wave of digital art that’s both deeply personal and global.
Caitlin’s art has always been about storytelling. Her pieces often merge femininity, identity, and emotion, creating works that feel alive in both colour and meaning. Her ability to balance softness and strength in her art makes her one of the most exciting visual voices in Wales right now. This award just seals it.
Bablu’s personality fills every room he walks into. Known for his sharp hosting skills and infectious energy, he’s become one of the freshest faces in Welsh entertainment. Whether it’s on stage or behind a mic, Bablu brings people together, and this award depicts the connection he creates wherever he goes.
The Edit Wales is a movement. Founded to celebrate and amplify creative voices across Wales, the team has built a community where art, culture, and identity collide. Through storytelling, media, and events, they’ve given a new generation of Welsh creatives a space to be seen and heard. Their “Creative Collective of the Year” win is one for every young dreamer who’s found their voice through their work.
There’s something about Ibby Abdi that feels timeless. His activism, mentorship, and dedication to representation have made him one of Cardiff’s most respected cultural voices. Ibby’s work extends beyond the arts — he’s helped build spaces where young people can grow, learn, and lead. His “Cultural Hero” award recognises a legacy still in motion.
This one felt special. The Cynefin Pamoja Afro Hair Showcase was a cultural reset. Through storytelling, fashion, and hair artistry, it celebrated the beauty and heritage of Afro-textured hair in Wales. It gave a platform to Black creatives and sparked conversations about identity, pride, and representation. The award for “Event of the Year” couldn’t have gone to a more deserving celebration
Knight Vintage has become a Cardiff staple for anyone who loves fashion with meaning. Curating pieces that mix nostalgia with sustainability, the brand’s aesthetic feels both timeless and effortlessly cool. Their win is a nod to the small businesses that bring heart, style, and originality to the high street.
Zaynab Abbas has built a reputation as a changemaker, someone who uses her platform to uplift others. From advocacy work to community projects, she’s continuously finding ways to create real impact. Her “Social Impact Champion” award recognises not just what she’s done, but the hope and opportunity she continues to inspire.
Born in Bermuda and based in Manchester, Gherdai Hassell’s art has always been about identity and reclamation. Her layered collages and installations explore history, womanhood, and the Black diaspora in stunning, thought-provoking ways. She’s exhibited internationally and continues to push boundaries — her “International Creative of the Year” win is another chapter in her story.
Liara Barussi’s name carries weight in Wales’ creative scene — and for good reason. As the founder of Jukebox Collective, she has spent years nurturing talent, building platforms for young artists, and championing diversity in the arts. The “KLAT Legacy Award” honours not just her achievements, but the countless people whose lives and careers have been shaped by her vision.
The night closed on a high, laughter, hugs, and a few happy tears. But what lingered most was pride. Pride in the people who make Wales’ creative scene what it is: bold, inclusive, and constantly evolving. The 2025 KLAT Awards was about honouring the stories that connect us, the dancers who found confidence, the writers who gave us words, the DJs who made us move. Every win felt like a win for the culture itself. If this year proved anything, it’s that Welsh creativity shines.
Find out more about the KLAT Awards from KLATMAG
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