4. 90-second Statements

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:44 pm on 15 January 2020.

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Photo of Siân Gwenllian Siân Gwenllian Plaid Cymru 3:44, 15 January 2020

(Translated)

There I was, listening to Stormzy on the recommendation of Rhun ap Iorwerth, when an artist more familiar to me came to the attention of the charts. I would like to congratulate my constituent Dafydd Iwan for topping the iTunes chart with his iconic anthem 'Yma o Hyd'. Dafydd's success is a happy marriage between the old rocker and the thriving young YesCymru movement. Dafydd shares the same values as those who successfully elevated him to the top of the charts. Nobody has been as effective as Dafydd in safeguarding our nation and handing it on to the care of the younger generation. 'Yma o Hyd' was recorded on the Sain label in 1981. A company from Llandwrog in my constituency was responsible for that, and it's great to see Sain's contribution to the music scene in Wales getting international recognition. This publicity is an invaluable prelude as we approach Welsh Language Music Day on 7 February. This is a day when the Welsh language and Welsh music come together to promote our culture, and although we may not hear many protest songs next month, we can take comfort that the words from 'Yma o Hyd' are as relevant today as they were nearly 40 years ago.