The National Eisteddfod has traditionally restricted its annual event to the Welsh language. The chairman of the festival’s governing council stated that its primary purpose, which dates back to 1176, was “to perform, compete, and discuss in Welsh – and only in Welsh.”
A Welsh festival justified its rejection of a rapper whose rhymes are in Welsh and English.
Sage Todz performs in both English and Welsh, even though the National Eisteddfod’s annual cultural event has traditionally been conducted exclusively in the Welsh language.
The musician stated on Twitter that he would not be performing at the event “due to the Welsh language policy”
“My songs predominantly contain too much English,” he wrote.
Ashok Ahir, chairman of the Eisteddfod’s governing council, stated that the festival’s primary objective was “to perform, compete, and discuss in Welsh – and only in Welsh”
He added that it was the rapper’s choice to perform exclusively in English and bilingually.
Sage Todz announced that he would not be performing at the festival, and Mr. Ahir stated that he was “deeply saddened” by the racist comments made against him on social media.
Sage Todz, who was born in Essex and now resides in North Wales, began officially releasing music in 2020.
He remade Yma o Hyd with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) before Wales’ World Cup campaign last year.
Several social media users have called for a review of the Eisteddfod’s policy, while others have defended the decision because the event is a celebration of the Welsh language.
Every August, the festival attracts approximately 150,000 attendees, 6,000 competitors, and 250 booths.
According to the event’s organizers, the Eisteddfod dates back to 1176, while the current incarnation dates back to 1861.
Lln ac Eifionyd, Gwynedd, a new Welsh region, will host this year’s event.
“We take great pride in celebrating the Welsh language across all art forms at the Eisteddfod,” said Mr. Ahir.
We provide numerous opportunities for artists to perform for the first time in Welsh.
The Eisteddfod was working with partners to make Welsh “accessible to a broader spectrum of individuals and groups.”
Mr. Ahir added, “Performing, competing, and debating in Welsh – and only in Welsh – is the primary purpose of the National Eisteddfod during the one week of the year when the festival is conducted.
“We admire Sage Todz’s fervor and commitment to the languages he uses in his music.
“He decided to perform exclusively in English and bilingually. We wanted him to perform at the festival, but we respect his decision not to sing exclusively in Welsh.”
