Chartists’ rebellion inspiration for new Welsh song of freedom

A number of Welsh singers have joined together to produce an anthemic song described as “a rallying call for independence”.

Under the direction of Osian Williams, from the band Candelas, the group of singers and musicians came together to record the song ‘Mae’r dydd wedi dod’/The day has come/Let us be free’, which is a new version of ‘Ar Noson fel Hon’ from the musical ‘Pum Diwrnod o Ryddid’.

The musical, by Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn, was based on the stance of Llanidloes workers over the principles of the Chartists in 1839, and the rebellion was described as “the first campaign for the rights of the working class in the world”.

‘Freedom’

In approaching the Welsh Parliament election, a number of Welsh singers realised that the aspiration for Freedom for Wales, and allowing the vote for young people, echoed many of the aspirations of the workers in Llanidloes.

Artists appearing on the track include Elis Derby, Gwenan Gibbard, Jalisa, Gwilym Bowen Rhys, and Ifan Pritchard, from the band Gwilym.

The idea for the song came from Sain records founder, politician and singer Dafydd Iwan who sent an e-mail to musicians and singers he thought might be interested.

Anthemic

The resulting song is well worth a listen and is heralded as a rallying call for independence.

Dafydd Iwan is credited as penning and singing such anthemic and popular songs as ‘Yma o Hyd’, which is often played by the FAW and Welsh Rugby Union as well as Wrexham FC.

The single will be out in the shops to buy on Monday.