Cerys Hafana Explained

Cerys Hafana is a Welsh musician.

Biography

Hafana is based in Machynlleth, Powys.^[1] She was a member of AVANC (Welsh: Ensemble Gwerin Ieuenctid Cymru (English: The Youth Folk Ensemble of Wales)).^{[2] [3]}

In 2022, she released the album Edyf, based on songs found in the National Library of Wales.^[4] The album was shortlisted for the 2022-23 Welsh Music Prize^[5] and the Welsh-language album of the year.^[6] The Guardian named it one of the top ten folk albums of 2022.^[7]

She contributed an essay to the 2022 anthology Welsh (Plural).^[8] The essay was met with a controversial reception.^[9]

Reception

Paul Carr and Robert Smith of the University of South Wales have described Hafana as "one of the most original voices in contemporary Welsh folk music."^[10] Jude Rogers of The Guardian has described her as "a master of the Welsh triple harp" who "explores resonances from the past that connect with the modern day."^[11]

Discography

Studio albums

• Cwmwl (2020)
• Edyf (2022)

Studio EPs

• The Bitter (2024)
• Crwydro (2024)

Singles

• "The Wife of Usher's Well" (2023)
• "Child Owlet" (2024)

External links

• • • Cerys Hafana on YouTube

Notes and References

1. Web site: 21 October 2022 . 'It's learning to make sense of the mess of lines in front of you': Cerys Hafana on playing the Welsh triple harp . 15 May 2024 . BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour.
2. Web site: 25 October 2021 . Ateb y Galw: Y delynores Cerys Hafana . cy . Answering the Demand: The harpist Cerys Hafana . 15 May 2024 . BBC Cymru.
3. Web site: The Youth Folk Ensemble of Wales . Trac Cymru: Music Traditions Wales . 16 May 2024.
4. Web site: 25 August 2023 . 'There're so many stereotypes about harp music – people are surprised by mine' – one to watch: Cerys Hafana . Way . Emma . 15 May 2024 . Buzz Magazine.
5. Web site: 10 September 2023 . Welsh Music Prize 2023 finalists revealed . 15 May 2024 . Nation.Cymru.
6. Web site: 22 July 2023 . Listen to the music: Welsh language album of the year shortlist announced . 15 May 2024 . Nation.Cymru.
7. Web site: 23 September 2022 . Cerys Hafana . 15 May 2024 . Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
8. Web site: 28 January 2023 . Cerys Hafana in Conversation . Raymond . Gary . 15 May 2024 . Wales Arts Review.
9. Web site: 28 July 2022 . 'Do'n i byth yn ffitio mewn i'r bocs traddodiadol' . cy . 'I never fit into the traditional box' . 15 May 2024 . BBC Cymru.
10. Web site: 17 April 2024 . Four rising Welsh music acts to pep up your playlist . Carr . Paul . 15 May 2024 . Nation.Cymru.
11. Web site: 23 September 2022 . Cerys Hafana: Edyf review – using the Welsh triple harp to connect past and present . Rogers . Jude . 15 May 2024 . The Guardian.