21 February 2011

  The eight songs battling for the 2011 song-writing competition, Cân i Gymru, title have been selected and will be performed live on S4C from Pontrhydfendigaid Pavilion.

Elin Fflur, who shot to fame after winning the competition in 2002 with the iconic Welsh song ‘Harbwr Diogel’ and former member of last year’s judging panel, is the host of the live final, broadcast on Sunday 6 March.

For the first time ever, a beatboxing song called ‘Chwarae Ceg’ composed and performed by former Genod Droog frontman Ed Holden is among the shortlisted songs.

Singer and guitarist Gai Toms is hoping to improve on last year’s runner-up position with his uplifting song ‘Clywch’. Toms, formally of Welsh rock band Anweledig, impressed judges in 2010 with his composition ‘Deffra’ to grab second place.

Steve Balsamo, best known for the lead role in the West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar and a runner-up in the song-writing competition in 1994, has teamed up with Brigyn singer Ynyr Gruffydd Roberts. Their composition is called ‘Rhywun yn Rhywle’.

‘Fy Mhlentyn i’ is the joint entry from Ann Llwyd and Steve Pablo and is a mother’s story about a birth of a child. Ann’s daughter, Alys Williams, will perform the song during the live final.

Yr Ods drummer, Osian Rhys Roberts, has made the final after being inspired by bandmate Osian Howells, who competed in 2010. ‘Cofia am y Cariad’ is the song which will be performed by Ffion Emyr.

Five-time Can i Gymru finalist Dafydd Saer is back with another original composition. The song ‘Cylch o Gariad’ was inspired as he was travelling Europe. Anglesey duo Meilyr Wyn and Derwyn Jones are the co-composers of ‘Nerth dy Draed’. Derwyn makes his competition debut alongside veteran contestant Meilyr.

Completing the line-up is Ifan Emyr who is hoping to emulate his mother's past success in the competition. Mari Emlyn won the Cân i Gymru title in 1986. Ifan has composed 'Symud Ymlaen'.

All eight songs are battling for the £7,500 cash prize and the honour of representing Wales in the Pan Celtic Festival in Ireland. The shortlist was chosen by a panel of experts including Sibrydion guitarist and frontman, Meilir Gwynedd; Cleif Harpwood of iconic 70s band Edward H. Dafis, the versatile folk singer, Siân James and Catrin Southall, lead singer of the band Sal.

A record number of entries were recorded for this year’s competition varying from established Welsh artists and bands to students at the start of their music careers.

Musician Alun Tan Lan was last year’s winner with the song ‘Bws i’r Lleuad’ (Bus to the Moon). Tomos Wyn, who is a regular cast member of S4C’s teen drama series Rownd a Rownd, performed the winning song.

For more information, visit the website: s4c.co.uk/canigymru

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