Latest news with #WelshLanguageMusicDay
BBC News
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Welsh Language Music: Could Welsh songs become mainstream?
There is no reason Welsh language songs can't be the next Gangnam Style, says a BBC radio DJ and language music has evolved and expanded across genres over the years, breaking the mould of "boys an guitars", said Molly Palmer. Meanwhile musician Tara Bandito added it was "exciting" to see "women really pushing the boundaries in Wales" within the Welsh language music comes on the 10th anniversary of Welsh Language Music Day, focusing this year on grassroots and community venues across Wales. Gangnam Style, released by South Korean rapper PSY in 2012, broke the internet - quite literally, YouTube had to upgrade its counter limit because it had been watched more than any other video ever. Talking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, presenter and DJ Molly Palmer said listeners do not have to understand lyrics to enjoy songs. "Gangnam style is Korean, it's record breaking, chart topping - there is no reason why songs which aren't in the English language can't succeed in this way," she said. "That song was my introduction to that idea, of other languages being in the mainstream in music. There's no reason why the Welsh language can't be that as well, we have an incredible cohort of musicians here in Wales."She said when she was first introduced to Welsh language music, "it was all men with guitars" but now there was a "world of variety, of genre - there really is something out there for everybody". Welsh singer Tara Bandito also said the Welsh language music scene had "evolved so much", was "so eclectic now", and still growing. She said it has become "such an inclusive scene and seems to be buzzing".The musician said the scene was getting recognition, but "there's a long way to go". "Gruff Rhys did it and he did it so well, the Super Furries were gigantic. Let's just hope it keeps going with the same trajectory."When Bandito goes to schools to perform and engage children with Welsh language music, she said she had been "surprised" by how familiar they were with it already. She said she thinks teachers and parents "are nurturing their children with Welsh language music now" and "children seem to be buying into it". This weekend will see the debut of Y Llais, a Welsh-language version of the popular global television series The Voice on S4C, presented by BBC Radio 1's Sian opera singer Sir Bryn Terfel will be one of the four coaches from different musical backgrounds who will sit in the iconic red chairs with the aim of finding the best next Welsh musical talent.
BBC News
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Celebrating a decade of Welsh Language Music Day with BBC Cymru Wales
From classic hits to brand new tracks, whether you enjoy listening to music in the car, on your smart speaker, or at the gym, you can do so with BBC Cymru Wales on Friday 7 February. BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio Cymru 2 BBC Radio Cymru 2, in partnership with Mentrau Iaith Cymru, has created four energetic Welsh music playlists for gyms across Wales. These "Traciau Dydd Miwsig Cymru" playlists are available to listen to in local gyms and on BBC Sounds. Myfanwy Jones, Director of Mentrau Iaith Cymru, said: 'We are very proud of our partnership with BBC Radio Cymru 2. This campaign is a great opportunity to bring Welsh music into everyday activities, celebrate our cultural heritage in a fun and engaging way, and reach a wider audience.' Huw Stephens' Radio Cymru Programme, BBC Sounds To celebrate a decade of Welsh Language Music Day, Huw Stephens will be joined by four prominent figures from the Welsh music scene: rapper and BBC Radio Cymru 2 presenter, Dom James; Katie Hall, lead singer of Chroma; Heledd Watkins from HMS Morris; and Kev Tame, label manager and music event organizer. They will reflect on the past 10 years of Welsh music, sharing stories and personal highlights, and discuss the future of the industry. This programme was made in collaboration with BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Gorwelion, and Lŵp. Radio Wales BBC Radio Wales DJ and presenter, Molly Palmer, will appear on several Radio Wales programmes throughout the day, discussing her favourite Welsh songs and artists. She'll kick off on Radio Wales Breakfast, then join Robin Morgan, and wrap up with Eleri Siôn on her show. BBC Introducing with Adam Walton, Saturday, February 8th, 10 pm – 1 am Discover the music of Adwaith on Adam Walton's Saturday night show. He'll be chatting with the west Wales punk trio and playing tracks from their latest album, plus a playlist of music that inspired their sound. "This is a day for celebration," says Rhuanedd Richards, Director of BBC Cymru Wales. "Wales is brimming with talented artists and musicians, and BBC Cymru Wales is incredibly proud to support them through initiatives like BBC Horizons, and by providing platforms for their voices to be heard on our radio stations as well as on television. We'll be broadcasting special content with something for everyone across multiple BBC Cymru Wales platforms to celebrate Welsh Language Music Day. Tune in!" MER
