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Welsh folk musician Dafydd Iwan recently spoke out after his song *Yma o Hyd* was used without permission by organisers of a right-wing demonstration. The popular anthem, which celebrates the enduring spirit of Wales and has gained renewed popularity among Welsh football fans, was featured in a social media video by the group Wrexham Unite to promote an anti-immigration protest. Iwan expressed strong opposition to the use of his music in this context, condemning the group’s campaign as “hate-driven.”
In a statement on the social media platform X, Iwan clarified that he had not authorised the use of *Yma o Hyd* for the event and distanced himself from the protesters’ message. Although he admitted he could not physically prevent them from playing the song, he emphasized the importance of making the public aware that his work was being misappropriated. The demonstration, organised by groups including Wrexham Unite, took place in Wrexham city centre and opposed plans to house up to 70 asylum seekers at a former assisted living facility in nearby Rhosllanerchrugog.
Earlier in the month, a gathering of about 500 people had raised concerns about the proposal to use the Plas yn Rhos site for asylum accommodation. However, Wrexham council confirmed that the Home Office had advised the property would no longer be used for this purpose, effectively cancelling the plans. Despite this decision, Wrexham Unite stated on Facebook that they intended to continue protesting, believing the Home Office might attempt again to gain approval for housing asylum seekers there.
Iwan, who hails from Brynamman in Carmarthenshire and previously served as president of Plaid Cymru, spoke to BBC Wales reflecting on his shock at the growing hostility in political discourse. He condemned the “dangerous” fomenting of division linked to immigration debates and insisted that his song’s message is rooted in love for Welsh culture, not in hatred of others. He pointed out that protecting Welsh identity does not equate to opposing immigrants or asylum seekers. Iwan also shared that after publicly addressing the issue, he had been subjected to “very personal” and “nasty” reactions, many seemingly anonymous in origin, underlining how hate has degraded political conversations both in Wales and beyond
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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