Two-time BAFTA Nominee Lemfreck has had an intense and incredible year, marked by his triumph at the Welsh Music Prize 2024. When his name was announced as the winner of the prestigious award for his 2023 album, Blood, Sweat & Fears, he admits, “It felt surreal. Being up against such incredible artists and then hearing my name was just nuts.” His surprise was understandable—as he wasn’t just competing with peers; he was sharing the stage with established Welsh icons. Yet, for him, this victory represents something far greater than personal achievement.
“This win feels bigger than just me—it represents my community and the people who’ve been underrepresented for so long.” The artiste’s devotion to using his platform for social impact is palpable. For him, the Welsh Music Prize isn’t the end of the journey, but a launchpad. “I want to use this recognition to continue opening doors for others. The goal is to keep pushing boundaries, both musically and creatively, but also to use this space to lift others up.”
His critically acclaimed award-winning album Blood, Sweat & Fears seems to be just as deeply personal as it is culturally significant, weaving stories of identity, struggle, and resilience together. He crafted the album as a tribute to the Wales he knows—a Wales that too often remains unseen.
“Growing up in Wales as a Black artist, you always feel like you’re in between worlds, trying to find where you fit. This album is my way of giving a voice to that feeling, to the people and stories that don’t get the spotlight. It’s a story of resilience for all those who feel unseen.”
Each track on the album tells a different story, from “Into the Storm” to “Death by Nyash,” However, it was “Sad Boys Club” that posed the greatest challenge to create. “It’s such a personal track,” he confides, “and getting into those deeper anxieties was hard because it’s uncomfortable to lay that bare. But at the same time, I knew that if I was feeling this, I had to talk about it.”
Lemfreck’s music is a direct reflection of his life experiences. “I always say, ‘You should only talk about what you know,’ and what I know is, what it’s like to grow up in a place where your community isn’t seen the same way as others.” Despite the success he has found, the rapper continues to face reminders of the journey ahead. “Even after winning the Welsh Music Prize, I’ve seen comments that remind me how far we still have to go.”
When asked about his influences, he brags, “Family has played a massive role in shaping my career. My parents created a monster,” he says with a grin. “I’m such a nerd when it comes to music, and that was all from my dad. My mom kept me committed to what I loved. There’s no way I’d be here without them.” And Benji Webbe from Skindred? He’s been a huge inspiration too. “Seeing someone from Wales break through on a global level, especially in a genre like metal, made me realize that anything is possible. He’s always stayed true to his roots and followed his own path, and that’s something I’ve tried to embody in my career too.”
Beyond music, Lemfreck is also the founder and creative director of Noctown, a clothing brand and creative collective that expresses his creativity. “It’s all part of the same creative energy, honestly. Music and fashion—they’re just different ways for me to express myself. Noctown keeps me sharp, creatively speaking.” The brand embodies the same raw, unapologetic energy found in his music. “The two feed into each other, and that balance keeps me moving forward. Whether it’s through sound or style, I’m always trying to challenge what’s expected.”
Then there’s Newport, his hometown, which is at the heart of everything he does. “Newport is in everything I do. It’s the backdrop to my life.” You can hear Newport’s influence in his voice, in his samples, and in the grit of his sound. “It’s a city that doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, but that’s what makes it special. Newport’s community has always been tight-knit, and that sense of loyalty and pride comes through in my music.”
As he looks back on his journey, the talent shares to me, “People are finally starting to realize that Wales has a lot to say, and we’re just getting started.” In addition to putting his city on the map, the rapper is excited to see the evolution of genres like grime, hip-hop, and Afrobeat, which are now influencing mainstream music across the globe. But he offers a word of caution:
“I love seeing these genres influence mainstream culture, but I worry that the charts don’t always reflect the true essence of these genres anymore. It’s easy for the culture to get watered down. If we get lazy or complacent, we risk losing what made these genres special in the first place.”
For aspiring artists, especially those from marginalized communities, Lemfreck’s advice is clear and cut-throat: “Keep going, no matter what. The industry isn’t fair, and the road is going to be tough, but if you believe in what you’re doing, don’t let anything stop you.”
With Blood, Sweat & Fears receiving widespread acclaim, Lemfreck is already thinking about what’s next. “Right now, I’m just focused on creating, At the end of the day, it’s about staying true to why I started making music in the first place. I’m just here to keep the momentum going and see where the music takes me.”
Listen to Lemfreck’s new album, Blood Sweat & Fears
Read more Cover Stories from KLATMAG
Cover: Lemfreck @Lemfreck
Photography/Video: Taiye Omokore @taiye_omokore
Interviewer: Olaoluwa Akintayo @olly.ak
Styling/Creative Direction: Angelina Mablé @Angelina.esi.m
Written: Angel Joanne Okonkwo
Video Editor: Oba Nmabuobi @nmabuobi
Editorial Director: Taiye Omokore
