WELSH folk singer Dafydd Iwan, the voice behind the iconic anthem Yma o Hyd, has demanded that organisers of an anti-asylum seeker protest in north Wales stop using his music to promote their campaign.
Mr Iwan, a cult figure in Wales whose song is regularly belted out by football and rugby fans, said he was angry to see Yma o Hyd associated with a march opposing proposed asylum seeker accommodation in Wrexham.
The demonstration, being organised by a group calling itself Wrexham Unite, is due to take place in the city centre at midday on Saturday. Organisers are understood to be in ongoing discussions with police about arrangements, while a counter-protest is also being planned.
The protest follows proposals to use the former care home Plas yn Rhos, in the village of Rhosllanerchrugog, as accommodation for asylum seekers. Wrexham council has also confirmed that an application has been submitted by Clear Springs for Oak Alyn Hall, in Sydallt, Gwersyllt, to be used for the same purpose. However, the property’s owner has denied speculation that it is earmarked for asylum seekers.
In a strongly worded post on X, Mr Iwan said: “Whoever is organising the right wing protest next Saturday in Wrecsam, STOP USING MY SONG!!!! I do not want to be linked to your hate-driven campaign.”
Yma o Hyd, which translates as We Are Still Here, was recorded by Mr Iwan and the folk band Ar Log in 1983. The song celebrates the survival of the Welsh language and culture through centuries of adversity and has since become a symbol of Welsh identity.
Many of Mr Iwan’s followers voiced their support. One wrote: “Well said Dafydd. Yma o Hyd and the right wingers go together like oil and water.” Another added: “You tell ’em Dafydd! There’s no place for their hate in Cymru.”
However, one response struck a sharply different tone, arguing: “Protecting Welsh speaking communities from English settlers/retirees was never ‘far right’ or ‘hate-driven’ in the eyes of Welsh nationalists, but the same people label anyone opposing mass migration as racist or ‘far right’. I think you’re all f****** hypocrites.”
Wrexham Unite responded briefly to Mr Iwan’s comments, saying: “Thank you for the music.”
This is not the first time the singer has spoken out on the issue. Yma o Hyd has previously been used at other anti-migrant demonstrations across Wales, prompting similar objections from its writer.
On an earlier occasion, Mr Iwan said: “Yma o Hyd is a song of hope for everyone who calls Wales home. No one has my permission to use it to promote hatred.”
