Bronwen inspires Emma to sing in Welsh

Are you watching Y Llais on S4C?  Y Llais is the Welsh version of The Voice.

Emma Winter, who is a primary school teacher from Troed y Rhiw near Merthyr Tydfil, is competing on the programme. She is in Bronwen Lewis's team.  Emma is also learning Welsh.

We had a word with Emma about her journey so far on Y Llais..

What’s it like to be on Y Llais?

It's an amazing experience!  Bronwen is my idol, and she was the only reason I applied to be on the programme. When her judge’s chair turned, I was so happy.

It took me by surprise when Bryn's chair turned, he was so kind. The four judges are lovely but I’m happy to be on Bronwen's team as she keeps believing in me.

Do the children enjoy singing in Welsh at school?

Yes – they love it.  I use Bronwen's songs from TikTok as they are relevant to the children.  Then we pick words from the songs and discuss them - things like 'this is me - dyma fi'.  Children remember vocabulary much better through singing.

I'm glad artists like Bronwen are part of our curriculum at school - it's important children learn about artists from Wales, and Welsh songs.

Since when have you been learning Welsh? 

My only contact with the Welsh language before Y Llais was music. During the lockdown, when Bronwen started singing in both languages, I thought - I need to be able to do this too.

So, I started singing in Welsh - with the children at school and also at friends’ weddings and so on. 

When I got a place on the programme, I decided I wanted to start learning to speak the language as well. I learn with Duolingo and SaySomethingInWelsh.

I feel proud to be on the programme and to be able to show people that you can learn Welsh.

Y Llais is on every Sunday night at 7:30pm on S4C. It is also available on demand on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer.