Welsh folk singer Dafydd Iwan reports receiving intensely personal and hostile online comments after calling on organizers of a right-wing demonstration to cease using his iconic song Yma o Hyd. This 40-year-old anthem, which celebrates Welsh resilience and has gained traction among Wales football supporters, appeared in a social media video by Wrexham Unite to promote an anti-immigration rally.
On Monday, Iwan shared a post on X, formerly Twitter, stating he does not endorse the group’s hate-fueled initiative and had not authorized the song’s use. He emphasized that although he cannot physically prevent its playback, he aims to clarify the misuse to the public.
Protest Context in Wrexham
Iwan’s message referenced a march held in Wrexham city center on Saturday, coordinated by multiple organizations including Wrexham Unite. The event formed part of a broader opposition to plans for housing up to 70 asylum seekers at Plas yn Rhos, a disused assisted living center in nearby Rhosllanerchrugog.
Earlier this month, approximately 500 residents gathered at a village meeting to voice concerns over the proposal. On Tuesday, however, Wrexham council announced that the Home Office had advised against advancing the site for asylum accommodation, effectively canceling the plans.
Despite this development, Wrexham Unite declared on Facebook its intention to proceed with protests, citing suspicions that the Home Office might still seek approval to repurpose Plas yn Rhos for asylum seekers.
Wrexham Unite expressed pride in Wales as its homeland and in preserving local culture and national identity.
Previous Similar Incident
This is not the first time Iwan has addressed such misuse. In June 2023, he urged demonstrators to refrain from playing Yma o Hyd during protests against asylum seeker accommodations at Stradey Park Hotel in Carmarthenshire. Following prolonged opposition, the Home Office abandoned those plans in October, citing efforts to shift asylum seekers from hotels to more cost-effective options and reduce reliance on such facilities.
Iwan’s Stance and Song’s Significance
Iwan, a former president of Plaid Cymru originally from Brynamman in Carmarthenshire, firmly opposes the anti-immigration positions adopted by certain Welsh groups. He seeks to completely distance himself from what he calls the perilous incitement of animosity.
“I can’t physically stop them from using my song,” Iwan stated. “But I want people to know that they’re not using it with my permission, and that they are mixing two very different things.”
Originally recorded in the early 1980s, Yma o Hyd serves as a stirring tribute to Wales’ endurance, highlighting how the nation’s language, culture, and integrity have persisted against formidable challenges.
“It springs from a love for our own country and our own culture,” Iwan explained. “But that doesn’t mean we have to do it with hatred toward anyone else.”
He stressed that safeguarding Welsh identity bears no connection to blocking immigrants or asylum seekers.
Backlash and Broader Implications
Since posting his message, Iwan has encountered significant online backlash, much of which appears to originate from anonymous or untraceable accounts.
“What has come into the political debate in the past few years is this personal nastiness, because it’s driven by hate of people who are different to us, and that’s really degraded the political discussion in Wales and other countries,” Iwan observed. “But I think we must stand up, and say what we believe and not be afraid of these people who are driven by negative politics.”
Wrexham Unite maintains its commitment to protecting families from political decisions that, in their view, transform Wales into a sanctuary without community input. The group vows to continue demonstrations against what it describes as the risks posed by relocating undocumented economic migrants across Wales.
