Olatunji Offeyi looks at how Welsh folk music, a vital part of Wales’ intangible heritage, can uniquely address community tensions, foster unity and attract cultural tourists to Wales.
When the stabbings in Southport took place, like everyone else, I was disheartened to see the state of our country. However, I also realised that evil and violence thrive when people of goodwill remain silent. Against this backdrop, as a heritage doctoral researcher and journalist, I began to explore the potential of Welsh folk music. This intangible heritage, uniquely positioned to address community tensions, carries music’s soothing and unifying power. Its ability to alleviate stress and promote harmony makes Welsh folk music a beacon of hope in addressing such tensions. Moreover, by enhancing heritage tourism through this rich tradition, we can foster unity and attract cultural tourists to Wales, bringing a sense of optimism to our communities.
Uniting the community is not a walk in the park; it has to be painstakingly targeted, and the easiest way of doing this is by using existing cultural materials. Welsh folk music has a rich history, influenced by Celtic music from Scotland and Ireland, which features instruments like the triple harp and unique song types and is often heard at folk dance sessions, festivals, and traditional parties.
Uniting the community is not a walk in the park; it has to be painstakingly targeted, and the easiest way of doing this is by using existing cultural materials.
Welsh music is associated with harmony and part singing, with a rich history of vertical harmony dating back to the 1600s. Ceremonial songs, such as those associated with the seasonal Mari Lwyd and New Year’s Day Calennig, are also part of Welsh culture, so it is clear this is a rich heritage that cannot be ignored.
I shall start by exploring the Sosban Fach – a traditional Welsh folk song that has been popular for many years. The title translates to “Little Saucepan” in English. The lyrics describe the daily life of a woman who works in a kitchen, cooking and cleaning. Although the repetitive chorus humorously refers to her as a “little saucepan” who is always busy. The song, often sung at rugby matches and other events, symbolises Welsh culture and pride. That is the catch; it can be taught to young people through cultural workshops and events, stressing the beauty of hard work as a panacea to laziness and idleness, which have been a source of youthful restiveness from time immemorial. Organising community folk music sessions and educational programmes in schools can instil pride and a sense of belonging among participants. Such initiatives encourage people to engage with their cultural roots, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage. Teaching traditional songs like Sosban Fach in schools preserves these beautiful melodies, which can help young people understand and appreciate their cultural history and represent a veritable platform to foster unity, making people embrace ‘we’ rather than ‘I’ – appreciating the beauty of unity and hard work and feeling connected to a larger community.
The folk song Ar Lan y Môr, which speaks of love and nature, themes that resonate deeply with audiences and enhance community spirit, can also be explored considering all that is happening in the UK and beyond regarding violence and thuggery. It is evident all we need is love and compassion; playing this kind of song on TV and the radio can be the medicine strongly needed at a perilous time such as we find ourselves.
Innovative. Informed. Independent.
Your support can help us make Wales better.
Through regular performances and rehearsals, deep poetic folk songs deepen wisdom and help build relationships and a sense of shared purpose among participants. Collaborative and forming singing community groups such as choirs and bands can strengthen communal bonds and celebrate Welsh musical heritage collectively. These groups can perform songs like Calon Lân, a hymn written in the 1890s, expressing the value of a sincere heart over material wealth. The song’s opening line, “nid wy’n gofyn fywyd moethus,” is widely recognised. Myfanwy, written by Joseph Parry in 1875, is considered by many as the most excellent love song ever written and resonates deeply with Welsh culture. Cân Merthyr, a mixed-language song from the Industrial Revolution, is regarded as one of the favourites of singer Cerys Matthews. These are all powerful testaments of Welsh folk songs’ power in communal healing and oneness, as these songs evoke a sense of togetherness, pride, and shared experiences within the Welsh Community and perhaps beyond.
Welsh folk music festivals are not just about music; they are also about boosting the local economy and showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage. The Eisteddfod Genedlaethol is a prime example of the potential of such gatherings. These festivals, which celebrate music and offer a platform for local artisans, food vendors and performers, create a comprehensive cultural experience that attracts visitors. According to a report by UK Music, more than 500,000 music fans attended festivals and concerts in Wales in 2022, generating £218 million for the Welsh economy. Notable events included Tom Jones and Stereophonics’ performances at the Principality Stadium.
Welsh folk music festivals are not just about music; they are also about boosting the local economy and showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Welsh folk music groups like Ar Log have also travelled internationally, sharing haunting love songs, melodic dance tunes, and rousing sea shanties. The rich musical heritage of Wales continues to captivate audiences worldwide, reassuring them of the economic benefits of these festivals.
In terms of musical heritage trails, developing trails featuring significant musical landmarks can enhance tourists’ understanding and appreciation of Welsh heritage. For instance, a trail could include stops at locations tied to famous Welsh folk songs and musicians, such as the birthplace of Dafydd Iwan. Such trails provide a tangible connection to the history and stories behind the music, enriching the tourist experience.
Another way to utilise this natural heritage is via digital promotion. Using digital platforms to host virtual performances and music lessons can reach a global audience and entice more tourists to Wales. Livestreamed concerts featuring traditional Welsh instruments like the harp and crwth can showcase the unique sounds of Welsh folk music. Online tutorials can teach global audiences to play these instruments or sing in Welsh, sparking interest in Welsh culture. This digital promotion introduces Welsh folk music to a broader audience and contributes to preserving and promoting Welsh culture in the digital age.
It can also lead to cultural exchange programmes; these programmes can establish international music exchange, sharing and promoting Welsh folk music traditions worldwide. They can invite musicians from other countries to Wales and send Welsh musicians abroad. Such exchanges foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, broadening the audience for Welsh folk music and promoting it as a global cultural treasure of peace and unity.
Discussions and debates that drive Wales forward.
Join Wales’ leading independent think tank.
Harnessing Welsh folk music can help foster informed debate and innovative solutions. Emphasising cultural unity and tourism through Welsh musical heritage will preserve and promote economic growth and social cohesion. By implementing these strategies, we can showcase the power of our intangible heritage in addressing contemporary challenges. Welsh folk music, with its ability to foster unity and attract cultural tourists, can significantly address social tensions and promote a vibrant future for Wales.
All articles published on the welsh agenda are subject to IWA’s disclaimer. If you want to support our work tackling Wales’ key challenges, consider becoming a member.
