Welsh Singer Faces Backlash Over Song in Anti-Immigration Protest

Welsh folk singer Dafydd Iwan has faced intense online trolling, including personal and nasty comments, after publicly urging organizers of a right-wing protest to cease using his iconic song Yma o Hyd.

Background on the Protest and Song Usage

The 40-year-old anthem, which celebrates Wales’ enduring spirit and has gained popularity among Wales football supporters, appeared in a social media video by Wrexham Unite promoting an anti-immigration demonstration. On Monday, Iwan shared a post on X, stating he does not endorse the group’s hate-driven campaign and has not authorized the song’s use. He emphasized that while he cannot physically prevent its playback, he wants the public to recognize the misuse.

The protest Iwan referenced occurred in Wrexham city center on Saturday, coordinated by multiple groups including Wrexham Unite. It opposed plans to house up to 70 asylum seekers at Plas yn Rhos, a disused assisted living facility in nearby Rhosllanerchrugog. Earlier this month, about 500 residents attended a local meeting to voice concerns over the proposal. However, Wrexham Council announced on Tuesday that the Home Office had advised against proceeding, effectively canceling the plans.

Despite the cancellation, Wrexham Unite declared on Facebook its intention to proceed with the protest, citing beliefs that the Home Office might still seek approval to utilize the site for asylum seekers.

Iwan’s Stance and Previous Incidents

This is not the first time Iwan has addressed similar misuse of his song. In June 2023, he called on protesters to stop playing Yma o Hyd during demonstrations against housing asylum seekers at Stradey Park Hotel in Carmarthenshire. Following prolonged protests, the Home Office abandoned those plans in October, citing efforts to shift asylum seekers to more affordable accommodations and reduce reliance on hotels.

In a recent interview, Iwan, a former president of Plaid Cymru originally from Brynamman in Carmarthenshire, expressed strong disagreement with anti-immigration positions held by certain Welsh groups. He sought to fully distance himself from what he called the dangerous incitement of hatred. “I can’t physically stop them from using my song,” Iwan said. “But I want people to know that they’re not using it with my permission, and that they are mixing two very different things.”

Originally recorded in the early 1980s, Yma o Hyd serves as a powerful tribute to Wales’ resilience, language, culture, and national integrity against historical challenges. “It springs from a love for our own country and our own culture,” Iwan explained. “But that doesn’t mean we have to do it with hatred toward anyone else.” He stressed that protecting Welsh identity has no connection to blocking immigrants or asylum seekers.

Backlash and Broader Implications

Since his post, Iwan has encountered significant backlash, much of it from untraceable sources. “What has come into the political debate in the past few years is this personal nastiness, because it’s driven by hate of people who are different to us, and that’s really degraded the political discussion in Wales and other countries,” he noted. “But I think we must stand up, and say what we believe and not be afraid of these people who are driven by negative politics.”

Wrexham Unite responded by affirming its pride in Wales as home and in the nation’s culture. The group stated it stands united to protect families from politicians who, without consultation, aim to transform Wales into a nation of sanctuary. “We will not ignore the danger that the Senedd and Westminster politicians have caused by sending illegal economic migrants to live across Wales,” the organization declared, pledging to continue demonstrations.