July sees the release of two new Welsh-language songs by rising Welsh
artists Adjua and Aisha Kigs on Tŷ Cerdd’s artist-led label Sionci.
The songs were originally created by the two artists for the 2023 National
Eisteddfod as part of an initiative driven by Tŷ Cerdd and the National
Eisteddfod, aimed at supporting musicians of colour to create new songs in the
Welsh-language. The project grew from both organisations’ commitment to
supporting music-creators from all backgrounds to engage with making work in
the Welsh-language.
Adjua and Aisha were mentored through the process by leading Welsh artists
Eädyth and Aleighcia Scott – who also performed at the project’s culminating
concert on the Encore stage at the National Eisteddfod in Boduan. Eädyth worked
with the artists (both early in their Welsh-language journey) on developing
their confidence in writing and performing Welsh-language lyrics – with support
from Aleighcia Scott, herself a new Welsh-speaker.
The initiative had its genesis in 2021 as an Eisteddfod Amgen project (then
under the title CoDi
Cân) when five artists of colour were supported to write new,
Welsh-language songs, and create their own music videos – with mentoring from
Lily Beau, Tumi Williams and Jonny Reed.
For the 2024 Eisteddfod, the project is being developed further – now under
the AffriCerdd umbrella. This year Eädyth will mentor artists Asha Jane and
Frances Bolley to create new songs, and they’ll be performed on the Encore
stage at 1200 on Thursday 8 August – alongside Adjua & Aisha
Kigs, who will reprise the 2023 songs.
Both singles will be distributed by PYST, under a new relationship that
cements Tŷ Cerdd’s commitment to Wales and the nation’s musical infrastructure.
Released on Sionci Records and available
to stream and download on all major platforms:
Adjua – Hiraeth TCR046
(duration: 03:09)
Aisha Kigs – Llygaid Cudd TCR047
(duration: 04:01)
