With over 3000 nominations across all 20 categories, the 29th of March saw the city reward and celebrate Cardiff’s undeniably talented artists and resilient independent music scene. With performances from Afro Cluster, HMS Morris, Rainbow Maniac and the GRL TLK DJ’s, food and drink by Cazcabel Tequila and Spicers Meat Wagon, and an inaugural Outstanding Contribution award given to the team behind Save Womanby St, it was an emotional and thoroughly enjoyable night for everyone involved. Here are the highlights...

Rainbow Maniac:

Rainbow Maniac kicked off the night with a colourful set exuding swagger and unpretentious style.

Junior Bill:

Junior Bill won Best Music Video for “Above Your Station” created by frontman Rob Nichols, set designer George Nichols and with the help of filmmaker Joe Marvelly.

The Pitchforks:

Four-piece indie rock band from The Rhondda, The Pitchforks, won Best Single for their track “Afflictions.”

Tramshed:

CMA’s wonderful host Tramshed won the award for Best Commercial Venue.

HMS Morris:

HMS Morris took us on a voyage like no other with their hooky melodies warped by rebellious synth loops and unexpected vocal harmonies.

Tafwyl:

Best Festival was awarded to Tafwyl, Cardiff's Welsh language Arts & Culture Festival.

Let It Happen Blog:

 

Let It Happen Blog, a group of talented student writers and photographers who aim to build a blog which promotes the best upcoming talent won Best Music Website!

Liz Hunt: 

With three awards under her belt, including Promoter of the Year, Best Local Promoter for The Moon and Wales Goes Pop and Lineup of the Year for Hub Festival, it was a hell of a night for Liz!

Sŵn:

Founded in 2007, Sŵn has organised events, festivals, live music programming, music industry training, event production and partnerships with national organisations to increase opportunities and access to music in Wales for people of all ages, backgrounds, incomes, and languages. They took home Best Regional Promoter.

Astroid Boys: 

Grime-punk group Astroid Boys took home Best Group and Best Album for ‘Broke.’

Hub Festival:

Line-up of the Year went to Hub Festival for their cracking bill including the likes of Boy Azooga, Sock, Upbeat Sneakers and We’re No Heroes.

Bethan Elfyn:

BBC 1 Radio Wales presenter Bethan Elfyn, who plays new Welsh acts every Saturday evening on Radio Wales and is regularly joined by special guests from the Welsh music and entertainment scene, won Best Radio Show.

Dirty Pop:

The Best Club Night award went to Dirty Pop, who provide electronic pop and disco dancing every Saturday at Clwb Ifor Bach.

Holding Absence: 

Cardiff five-piece Holding Absence won Best Breakthrough Act and delivered a heartfelt speech thanking their fans and supporters. 

Acapela Studio:

Acapela Studio won Best Independent Venue, look out for their award celebration pizza night that’s to be announced soon!

Johnny Cage And The Voodoo Groove:

Cardiff’s finest “Cubana Punk 'n' Soul, Hard Rock 'n' Dirty Roll, Voodoo Rockabilly Vamp Trash Blues & Swamp Monster Stomp Box Boogie” band Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove won Best Live Act.

Romesh Dodangoda:

Best Producer was awarded to Romesh Dodangoda for his work with many successful artists and releases over 17 years.

GRL TLK:

Best DJ’s went to GRL TLK, a duo who cut their teeth playing at Cardiff’s best independent clubs and spin tunes for some of the UK most exciting brands and parties. 

Rebecca Hurn:

Acoustic singer-songwriter Rebecca Hurn took home the Best Solo Act award.

Afro Cluster:

Afro Cluster closed the evening with an absolute belter of a set.  With their unique and exciting blend of Afro-funk and Hip-Hop, it was a fitting end to a fantastic evening celebrating the music scene in the country's capital.