Getting to know Mei Gwynedd
Over the past few years, the National Centre for Learning Welsh has arranged for Welsh musicians and artists to visit its course providers across Wales to perform to Welsh learners as a way of showcasing contemporary Welsh culture. Mei Gwynedd is the musician taking part in the scheme – called ‘Y Gair a’r Gân’ (Word and Song) – in 2025-2026.
Mei Gwynedd comes from Waunfawr, near Caernarfon. He moved to Manchester to study Music Technology at the age of 16. He now lives in Cardiff, and works as a freelance musician, working with schools and communities on composition and production projects. In addition, he runs the studio and record label JigCal, is the leader of a ukulele orchestra, and is busier than ever performing live with the band Tŷ Potas.
We caught up with Mei as he prepares for his trip around Wales...
When did you first become interested in music?
My interest in music began at a very young age, with the band ‘Beganifs’ formed when I was just 13 years old. I had a lot of fun touring Wales and Europe, and it was a very exciting time to be in a Welsh band in the 90s. I’ve continued to write and produce ever since. My main instrument is the guitar (although some would argue it’s the ukulele!), but I can turn my hand to other instruments too.
What kind of songs do you sing or compose?
I grew up listening to a lot of Welsh music such as Edward H Dafis and Dafydd Iwan (especially as he lived in Waunfawr at the time). There were a lot of Irish cassettes in the house, including Christy Moore and the Dubliners. My mum was a big fan of the Beatles and Elvis, so a real mix! I suspect that music like this, along with a lot of 90s music, has influenced me.
I'm not interested in following musical trends – if a song works with just guitar and voice, it shows me there’s something in it!
What’s the best gig you've ever played?
I've been lucky enough to experience so many highlights, and it's very difficult to pick just one gig. Some highlights were traveling to Texas with Big Leaves, supporting Oasis at the Millennium Stadium with The Peth, and, more recently, working as the music producer on the ‘Nwy yn y Nen’ evening (Wrexham National Eisteddfod 2025) in memory of musician, poet and actor, Dewi Pws. I was given Dewi's famous hat as a gift from his wife at the end of the evening, which was very special. In terms of fun, the Tŷ Potas shows in the Babell Lên (the literature tent at the Eisteddfod) over the past few years have been unforgettable!
Do you have any musical heroes?
The musicians I admire, and who still give me inspiration and joy, include John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Springsteen, and Etta James.
What are you looking forward to the most as this year’s 'Y Gair a'r Gân' musician?
I admire anyone who makes the effort to learn Welsh, and it’s a very important part of my work as a musician. Listening to music is a great way to learn a language, and we have many learners joining the ukulele orchestra for that reason. Another great aspect of being a musician is getting to travel to different places and meet new people.
I’ll be singing many familiar songs and encouraging everyone to join in – so don't be shy!
What’s your favourite Welsh word?
Coelcerth. (bonfire)
What’s your advice for people learning Welsh?
Keep at it and try to use the language as often as you can. One of the things I love about the Welsh language is the different dialects, and it's a lot of fun learning different words used in particular areas. This has been especially true for me as a ‘Cofi Gwlad’ who has worked quite a bit in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion over the past few years!