Huw Stephens reflects on his involvement in Dydd Miwsig Cymru • Interview • DIY Magazine

While some say that music is a universal language, here at DIY, we always believe in broadening our horizons, which is why we’re thrilled to have teamed up with Dydd Miwsig Cymru to help celebrate their annual event this month. Taking place on Friday 7th February, the day – also known as Welsh Language Music Day – focuses on celebrating and uplifting all forms of Welsh Language music, as well as highlighting the rich musical history of Wales as a nation.

To help mark this year’s edition of Dydd Miwsig Cymru, we’ve enlisted a few key players from across the Welsh music industry to help explain why the Welsh language and culture is so important to them.

Tra bod rhai yn dweud bod miwsig yn iaith fyd-eang, yma yn DIY, credwn mewn lledaenu’n gorwelion, dyna pam yr ydym wedi cael y pleser i ymuno hefo Dydd Miwsig Cymru i ddathlu’r digwyddiad blynyddol mis yma. Yn digwydd ar ddydd Gwener 7fed o Chwefror, mae’r diwrnod yn ffocysu ar ddathlu ac ymgodi pob math o gerddoriaeth Cymraeg, yn ogystal ag uwcholeuo cyfoeth hanesyddol Cymru fel cenedl.

I nodi Dydd Miwsig Cymru eleni, rydym wedi ymrwymo ambell i berson arwyddocaol o’r sîn roc Gymraeg i helpu esbonio pam y mae’r Iaith a’r diwylliant mor bwysig iddynt.

Best known as a presenter and broadcaster across a variety of BBC stations, Cardiff-born Huw is also a huge supporter of Dydd Miwsig Cymru.

How were you first introduced to Dydd Miwsig Cymru, and what made you want to get involved?
Before the very first one, loads of us sat around a table and discussed the idea that Gareth Cardew-Richardson at Welsh Government had come up with. We all agreed it was a good idea and an exciting one. It all felt very hands on deck and everyone getting involved. I became an ambassador for it in the second year.

Why do you think it’s so important for Dydd Miwsig Cymru to exist, and what do you hope people will take away from it?
The world is noisy, so if we can shine a light on a scene, and the language, and the culture, then it’s a good thing. Artists who use the Welsh language will be quick to tell you that Welsh language music isn’t a genre, it’s the language they choose to create in, in a multitude of genres. I hope people will hear something new or old and interesting in the language that sticks with them. For some, it will be the start of a journey, for others they might take it in their stride and not engage with it again.

Are there any specific Welsh language artists who really helped shape or change your relationship with the Welsh language
The classics, of course, from SFA to Gorky’s. Digging further back you hear Datblygu, Meic Stevens, Ail Symudiad, Heather Jones and so many more, and realise that there’s so many wonderful albums and records over the decades. More recently, there’s Gwenno and Adwaith, but also Mellt, Los Blancos, Buddug, the list goes on… What I like about the scene in Wales is that it is tightknit, with bands sharing line-ups. Hearing Dom and Lloyd do their very modern brand of rap music was very inspiring and exciting, same with Sage Todz, a very exciting take on new rap music using the Welsh language.

“I hope people will hear something new or old and interesting in the language that sticks with them.”

If you were to play three tracks to someone who’s never heard Welsh language music, what would they be?
Today, ‘Pwy sy’n Galw?’ by Dom & Lloyd, ‘Ysbeidiau Heulog’, by SFA, and ‘Chwyldro’, by Gwenno.

Who are your most hotly tipped Welsh language artists for 2025?
Buddug, Malan and Tristwch y Fenywod.

On your 6Music show, you regularly drop in Welsh language tracks. How do think audiences respond to them?
There has never been anything other than positivity. Marc Riley, Gideon Coe, Tom Ravenscroft and Deb Grant, Craig Charles, and - of course - Cerys Matthews will all play Welsh language music they like and that fits their programmes.

What should the world know about the Welsh language music scene that they don’t already?
Well, firstly that it exists and that it is alive. It is real, it is valued and it is very interesting, musically and culturally.

This feature is brought to you as part of our paid partnership with Dydd Miwsig Cymru.

If you’d like to find out more, simply head to gov.wales/welsh-language-music-day. Os hoffech ddarganfod mwy, ewch i llyw.cymru/dydd-miwsig-cymru. What’s more, we’re celebrating the day with a very special show at The Old Blue Last in London tomorrow night - grab your tickets now.

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