On the 10th anniversary of Dydd Miwsig Cymru in Wales we want to bring to you some incredible Welsh artists, who have been performing and showcasing on international stages across the world, sharing their music in their language.
Dydd Miwsig Cymru celebrates all forms of Welsh language music. From traditional folk music to rock, indie, punk, hip hop, rap and anything else. So much amazing music is being made here in Wales and this day gives us the platform to celebrate what we already know and love, and a chance to explore and discover new genres in our language.
As part of the UN Decade of Indigenous Languages, Wales Arts International has been helping artists in Wales to connect with, listen to and learn from Indigenous artists and languages. We've been exploring the question ‘Can a song save a language?’. We believe music has the power to inspire people to use and cherish a language. Dydd Miwsig Cymru plays a key role in this. Our Celtic languages, like many Indigenous languages, are vulnerable, but we know that music and the arts can ignite confidence, creativity, and a renewed appreciation for Indigenous knowledge.
Here are just some artists that have been performing on international stages over the last year.
Cerys Hafana – Horizons stage @ WOMEX 2024
Cerys Hafana is a Welsh triple harpist and composer who mangles, mutates and transforms traditional music. They explore the creative possibilities of archival material, folk songs and psalms, found songs and electronic processing, alongside original compositions. They come from Machynlleth, mid Wales, where rivers and roads meet on the way to the sea.
Trac in the video:
- Tragwyddoldeb - from their 2022 album ‘Edyf’
N’Famady Kouyaté - Horizons stage @ WOMEX 2024