The Welsh Language in Storytelling and Song
This series of Friday evening folk music concerts brings the indigenous languages and cultures of Ireland, Scotland and Wales to Germany.
Welsh, or Cymraeg as it is known by its speakers, is a Celtic language. It is protected under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and has official status as a national language of Wales. Welsh is renowned for its melodic tones and rich history of poetry, singing and storytelling.
A Welsh speaker with Bajan heritage, 23-year-old Kizzy Crawford’s solo career began just a few years ago. In that time, Kizzy has developed an increasing sophistication to her songwriting and performance, which is complimented by her soaring voice that boasts both range and charisma.
Having been introduced to a wide range of music styles when she was younger, thanks to her parents, her ambition as a black Welsh artist is to make her mark by fusing bilingual soul-folk jazz. Not only does Kizzy sing bilingually, she also lives and works in both the Welsh and the English languages. She says herself how lucky she is to be able to express herself in both languages, and this bilingualism brings an extra richness to her music. She draws on the Welsh legends, the Mabinogi, in her music, as well as her cultural heritage from Wales, Barbados and England.
Mererid Hopwood
Born and brought up in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, Mererid Hopwood, is a poet and academic who now lives in West Wales.
Having always had a passion for languages, Mererid has spent the majority of her career working in education and is now Professor of Languages and Cwriwlwm Cymreig at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Not only does she teach, she is also a translator and librettist and has worked with composers from Wales and abroad. She has taken part in literary festivals in India, South America, Austria and Germany and has won prizes for her collections of poetry as well as children’s literature. Mererid was the first woman ever to win the bardic chair of the national Eisteddfod of Wales, a tradition that spans many centuries. She is a fellow of multiple renowned cultural institutions, such as the Learned Society of Wales.
Line Up
Kizzy Crawford – Guitar, Vocals
Mererid Hopwood – Introduction to the Welsh Language