Future Welsh pop stars are being given the chance to show off their song writing talents for a school pop competition launched for Welsh Language Music Day – Dydd Miwsig Cymru.
Primary school children can take part in Ysgol Pop, a competition which asks individuals or groups to write the verse and chorus of a pop song using as much Welsh as possible. Children are encouraged to practice at home with their parents where non-Welsh speaking parents could benefit from learning the words too, helping to bridge the gap between school and home.
The seventh annual Dydd Miwsig Cymru will take place on Friday 4th February 2022, aiming to inspire people who don’t speak the language to embrace the vibrant Welsh language music scene, and those that do to discover more of the amazing range of music made in Welsh.
Dydd Miwsig Cymru has teamed up with Welsh-Bajan singer Eädyth to create a range of materials that will help children to write their songs, including lesson plans for teachers and a top tips video.
The theme of the competition which should inspire the lyrics is ‘What the Welsh language means to you’, which links to the Welsh Government’s policy ambitions to grow the Welsh language for future generations. The winning entry will receive £250 for their school to spend on educational resources and will have their song played on S4C’s Stwnsh Sadwrn.
Each entrant will need to record a performance of their pop song on a smartphone and email it to Dydd Miwsig Cymru before Friday 28th January 2022 to be included in the judging. Schools should visit the Welsh Language Music website for details of where to send it and full T&Cs.
Singer and songwriter Eädyth is lending her musical expertise for Ysgol Pop and will judge the final winning song. She said: “Ysgol Pop is an amazing opportunity for school children to showcase their musical flair while learning and speaking the Welsh language. Writing songs and creating your own lyrics can be something truly inspiring and special.
“It’s a beautiful language to learn and I think by using it through song is magic. I’m really looking forward to seeing the future of Welsh music and the future pop stars that Wales have to offer!”
Ysgol Pop has been launched by Dydd Miwsig Cymru following the success of 2021’s Ysgol Hip Hop competition, where over 110 school children across Wales wrote and performed a rap in the Welsh language.
