The Wait Is Over: The Exclusive 2025 KLAT Awards Finalists Revealed

The wait is over — the KLAT Awards 2025 finalists have been revealed, and this year’s line-up proves once again why KLAT has become the heartbeat of creativity in Wales and beyond.

On Saturday, 1st November 2025, we’ll gather at the stunning Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa for a night that promises elegance, celebration, and a few surprises along the way. From the red carpet interviews to live performances, a gala dinner, and those unforgettable award moments, this is going to be a celebration of talent and culture.

KLAT Magazine has always been more than just a publication. It’s a platform where stories are shared and new voices are amplified. The KLAT Awards take that spirit offline, turning our storytelling into a live celebration of the people shaping today’s creative space

This year, 78 incredible individuals and collectives have made the shortlist across categories spanning music, art, writing, performance, entrepreneurship, and social impact. From breakthrough talents to visionaries, the finalists reflect the diverse creative scene KLAT champions in Wales.

The 2025 Finalists

Music Artist to Watch

Redwood City • Ben Ellis • Otto Aday • Adjua • CKA • Malika Blu • Macy • Source

International Creative of the Year

Naay Akinade • Chief Kikem • Great • Gherdai Hassell • Sosa Ldn • Damas Visuals

Writer of the Year

Tia-Zakura Camilleri • Tegwen Bruce-Deans • Sundas • Connor Allen • Nia Morais

Actor to Watch

Gabin Kongolo • Sam Locke • Garin Williams • Teejay Olakojo • Jack Pugh • Iesha Henry-Cameron

Creative Collective of the Year

Urban Stamp • AFJ Cardiff • Unify • Now in a Minute Media • The Edit Wales • Jukebox Collective

Digital Artist of the Year

Ibrahim Tarafdar • Noah Bakour • Joe Andrews • Megan Winstone • Siria Ferrer • Grace Springer

Visual Artist of the Year

Amber Forde • Nathan Wyburn • Paskaline Maiyo • James Sherwood • Floodmolyneuxart

Event of the Year

Dragged to Church Cardiff • Exes and O’s • Cynefin Pamoja • Heels Empowerment • Cambrensis • Bahm Bahm

DJ of the Year

Gemiiniize • Treubeatz • Dj Timi • Danwillow • Dj T • Monique B

Presenter of the Year

Gabriella Jukes • Bablu Shikdar • Damilola Akinkunmi • Reem Muhammed • Rosemary Adjua Dery • Marain Iwerydd

Social Impact Champion

Saheed Bashir • Amy Knott • Zaynab Abbas • Talk to Coco • Patrick Gabco • Sharon Kostini

Independent Business of the Year

166 Events • Rhostio Coffee • Knight Vintage • The Real Ting • Clwb Creative Cymru • Finley’s House

Culture Hero Award

Ophelia Dos Santos • Onismo Muhlanga • Ibby Abdi • Aleighcia Scott • Osamagbe Izevbigie

The KLAT Awards are more about connection than recognition. The room is expected to be filled with artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping culture both locally and internationally.

With 78 finalists, each bringing their own story and creative vision, the stage is set for a night that will inspire, entertain, and remind us why the arts matter.

So, mark your calendars: Saturday, 1st November 2025. Arrive early, dress to impress, and get ready for a celebration of creativity like no other.

Congratulations to all the finalists — this is your moment.

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