A rise in Welsh-speaking musicians covering pop songs and posting original Welsh songs on TikTok is growing on #tiktokcymraeg
TikTok trends change faster than the Welsh weather – but a recent and growing trend has become an unexpected catalyst for the resurgence of Welsh-language music, with musicians using the platform to grow and find new opportunities.
TikTok videos featuring Welsh music in the form of both original songs and covers in Welsh can garner tens of thousands of views, with hashtags like #welshmusic, #cymraeg and #celticmusic gaining traction on the social platform, leading them to a wider audience and exciting new prospects.
Local Rainbow is a Welsh singer who has written songs in Welsh, like her song Dod Nol, which she is releasing next year, as well as having recorded and posted covers in Welsh, like Subway by Chappell Roan, as well as the seasonal classic, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
Rainbow said she has found loads of new opportunities through Welsh music, through bigger companies such as S4C (the Welsh language television channel). Adding: “I’ve had more job opportunities in the arts because I can speak welsh fluently – being open about my Welsh heritage and speaking has opened so many new exciting doors.”
More recently, on her Spotify Wrapped for artists this year, under ‘2024 Gains’ she has seen a 79% rise in listeners, a 75% increase in streams, a 131% increase in her songs being saved and a 192% increase in her songs being added to playlists.
Wales is known as the land of song, for its traditions rooted in music and singing. For many young Welsh speakers, TikTok offers a space where speaking and singing in their native tongue is celebrated, rather than sidelined. Often receiving comments on the beauty of their language, as new audiences are hearing it familiarised by songs that they already know.
Local Rainbow on Instagram: