Cardiff Music Conference 2025 (and the Newport artists that took part)

11 June 2025 112

A collage of 5 images each containing a Newport artist. From left to right, Benji Webbe, Murkage, Man Like Vision, Truth and Yung Tay.

What Happened on the Day

The 2025 Cardiff Music Conference (CMC) was a vibrant showcase of youth culture, creativity, and collaboration. Held on Sunday, June 8th, the event began with a high-energy live stream performance by DJ AG directly outside the iconic Cardiff Castle. The set was streamed online, acting as a warm-up and promotional push for the main event and instantly setting a tone of accessibility and buzz around Welsh grassroots music.

Following the live stream, the action shifted to Clwb Ifor Bach, where the conference took over all three floors of the legendary venue. Each level served a distinct purpose:

Top Floor: Educational talks and music industry panels featuring speakers such as Amy Wadge, Elijah (music activist from London), and Osamma from OTID. These sessions offered valuable insight into the mechanics of the music business, social impact, and the importance of music in shaping culture.
Middle Floor: This area was dedicated to stalls and informal networking opportunities. Key organisations such as Native Radio, Prestigious Pictures, New Era Talent, and Anthem were present, creating an ideal space for collaborations to spark organically among performers, producers, and music organisations.
Ground Floor: This was the performance hub of the event, hosting a wide range of live music acts across genres—from rappers and grime artists to gypsy bands and psychedelic rock collectives.
Garden Area: A more relaxed space that featured DJ sets only, allowing for a laid-back atmosphere where attendees could enjoy continuous music throughout the day.

Over 80 performers took part in the day, representing the rich musical tapestry of Wales and beyond. The event had a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with opportunities for artists at every stage of their journey to share their work and connect with key players in the creative industries.

Newport Artists That Took Part

Among the many talents on display, Newport made a loud and proud mark on the CMC 2025 lineup. Two of the most high-profile names to grace the stage, and three of the hungriest upcoming artists were none other than Benji Webbe, Murkage, MANLIKEVISION, Yung Tay and Truth.

Benji Webbe, the legendary frontman of Skindred, brought his unmistakable energy and charisma to the conference. Known globally for blending reggae, punk, and metal, Benji’s presence bridged generations and genres, reminding everyone of the staying power of Newport’s music scene.

Murkage, a two-time award-winning rapper from Newport, represented the new wave of Welsh music with style and substance. His performance was not only one of the most anticipated of the night, but also one of the most talked about. As one of the breakout artists of South Wales, Murkage’s blend of authenticity and lyrical prowess showed why he’s leading the charge for a new era of Newport hip-hop.

MANLIKEVISION (MLV), a rising talent from Newport, blends sharp lyricism with stylish production and performance finesse. Known for his clean visuals and fluid delivery, he’s quickly making a name for himself as both a solo artist and collaborator.

Yung Tay is a key figure in Newport’s next generation of music artists. He has a steadily growing online following and a catalogue that leans into introspective storytelling and melodic hooks.

Truth, a powerful voice in Newport’s underground scene, channels raw emotion and socially conscious bars into every performance. With roots in community events like the Newport Music Trail and a strong presence on freestyle circuits, he embodies the spirit of grassroots music in South Wales. His set at CMC was a standout moment, blending heart, faith, and lyrical strength with crowd connection.

Their involvement emphasised the strength and influence of Newport artists within the broader Welsh music ecosystem. It highlighted how platforms like the Cardiff Music Conference can serve as vital cross-city bridges, building unity through creative exchange.

The Organisations That Made It Happen

The Cardiff Music Conference was the result of tireless work by a network of organisations dedicated to empowering young people through music.

CMC (Cardiff Music Conference), run by Ministry of Life, has its roots in Cardiff’s youth work and grassroots development. Their mission is to create inclusive music experiences that centre young people, particularly from underserved areas. On the success of this year’s event, they said:

CMC spokesperson – “We are really happy with how the event went. From the live stream at Cardiff Castle to the event at Clwb Ifor Bach, there were 3 floors of music and activities and DJ sets in the garden. We had over 80 performers, from singers, rappers, gypsy bands and psychedelic rock bands. It was a great occasion, showcasing young artists, hosting over 15 organisations and giving opportunities for networking and collaboration.”

Asked about the motivation behind the event, CMC shared:

CMC Spokesperson – “The event aims to give opportunities to young artists by providing a platform and by getting as many youth music organisations in one place so that they can make connections, work in partnership and introduce young people to the different help and initiatives that are on offer.”

A major contributor to the event’s success was the Ed Sheeran Foundation. While still in its formative stage during early talks, the Foundation reached out to CMC in 2024 to offer support. CMC’s response was rooted in community value:

CMC Spokesperson – “We said that your presence is far more important than money. So in January this year he came down to our youth centre in Eastmoors, Splott and met with the young people. He donated us some money, which paid for 50% of the conference along with 50% from Arts Council of Wales. We could have done anything with the money but we thought we better go big with it and do something to remember”.

Thanks to this support, CMC were able to book headline acts like DJ AG, as well as secure talks from Amy Wadge and activist Elijah. These additions elevated the event and ensured it would be remembered not only as a showcase, but as a milestone in Welsh youth music culture.

In summary, Cardiff Music Conference 2025 proved just how important it is to create spaces where creativity, culture, and community collide. With contributions from Newport artists, the event served as both a celebration of Welsh talent and a launchpad for future collaborations and artistic growth across the country.

Cardiff Music Conference Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cardiffmusicconferenceofficial/

Written by: TheSonney

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