The iconic Dwylo Dros y Môr 2020 anthem has hit iTunes charts across the UK. The song is currently in 15th position and is regularly climbing the charts.
As part of a special programme on S4C to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the release of the 80s classic, Dwylo Dros y Môr, it was decided to revive the well-known song and create a new recording to raise money for the Welsh Coronavirus Resilience Fund under the Community Foundation Charity Wales.
Anglesey singer and presenter Elin Fflur was tasked with co-ordinating it all with the help of musician Owain Gruffudd Roberts bringing together over 30 artists from todays music scene (under the guidance of the Welsh Government's distance) to create a new arrangement of Dwylo Dros y Mor 2020.
Since its broadcast on Sunday night on S4C, the song continues to climb the UK iTunes charts.
"The response has been absolutely amazing," said Elin Fflur.
"It's a song that manages to unite people in a completely natural way. I'm sure that being able to pull together today's musical scene artists has created a positive energy in such a difficult year for so many people. The symbol of hands reaching out is as relevant this year as ever before and I'm delighted that our new arrangement of such an iconic song has touched the hearts of a new generation of Welsh people."
Another who is happy to see the song breathe new life is musician Huw Chiswell who composed the original song back in 1985
"I had no idea that Dwylo Dros y Môr would still be heard and sung 35 years later" says Huw Chiswell
"I'm really proud of the song, and hearing new voices giving it energy and new life is really encouraging. The brief I got back in '85 was to create an anthem that everyone could join in the chorus. I composed the song in Cardiff, I had just got my first piano and it was a miserable and wet day and that's where the first line came – 'Fe ddaeth y glaw i guro'r to' (The rain hits the roof). I followed my nose with the rest of the song - and it came fairly easily afterwards. "
Among the artists involved in re-creating the new look anthem are Mared Williams, Rhys Gwynfor, Kizzy Crawford, Heledd Watkins (HMS Morris), Elidyr Glyn (Buzzard) and Elin Fflur. There are some family connections between the latest song and the original; sisters Lisa, Gwenno and Mari from folk trio Sorela follow in the footsteps of their mother, Linda Griffiths who sang in 1985. Sion Land, son of drummer of original song Graham Land also keeps the beat 35 years later .
"Originally, 35 years ago, the song was created to raise money for a crisis happening on the other side of the world; but this year is a very different crisis, "said Elin Fflur.
"2020 has been such a difficult year - Covid has affected us all, but some people in our communities have been devastated by the pandemic. And that's where this charity, the Wales Coronavirus Resilience Fund, is important; it operates on the ground in our communities. I urge everyone to buy the song - we're still in the middle of the pandemic, so if we can help the cause by downloading a song, then go for it! The song continues to climb the charts - help us reach the top and make a difference!"
You can download the song on the link here https://www.s4c.cymru/cy/cerddoriaeth/dwylo-dros-y-mr-2020/
