Global Rhythms: Made in Wales strikes chord with Pavilion audience

* By the time headliner N’famady Kouyaté stepped onto the stage, the Pavilion was already buzzing.

There are some evenings at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that perfectly capture the spirit of the festival. Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was undoubtedly one of them, bringing together outstanding Welsh talent, global influences and an atmosphere that transformed the Pavilion into one enormous celebration. 

The evening opened with Band Pres Llareggub, who describe themselves as a "Bronx hip hop-inspired, New Orleans-tinged North Walian brass band with attitude". It is a bold claim, but one they more than lived up to. 

Their infectious blend of driving brass, hip hop grooves and New Orleans flair had the audience moving from the opening number, while their outstanding musicianship was evident throughout a set that was both polished and exhilarating.

 

A few songs in, the band peeled off their trademark jackets to reveal matching "STRAIGHT OUTTA LLAREGGUB" T-shirts. It was a moment that perfectly summed up their irreverent sense of fun and drew a huge cheer from the audience, but the gimmick never overshadowed the quality of the performance. Every player impressed, delivering a tight, energetic set that combined technical excellence with infectious enthusiasm.

* The evening opened with Band Pres Llareggub.

 

They were joined by Sage Todz, whose distinctive flow and commanding stage presence added another exciting dimension to the performance. The collaboration between brass and hip hop felt fresh, inventive and completely natural, showcasing the confidence and creativity of Wales's contemporary music scene.

 

Earlier in the evening, the Young Choir of the World Final once again showcased the extraordinary standard of young singers from across the globe. Warm congratulations go to Côr Iau ABC, whose outstanding performances earned them the coveted Young Choir of the World title.

 

The trophy was presented by Dr Rhys Davies. Dr Davies and his wife have generously donated the prize money for the Young Choir of the World Awards in memory of their son, Owen Davies, adding a deeply personal and poignant note to one of the festival's most prestigious competitions. Their generosity continues to support and celebrate outstanding young choral talent from around the world.

 

By the time headliner N’famady Kouyaté stepped onto the stage, the Pavilion was already buzzing, but he took the atmosphere to another level. Opening with the title track from his latest EP, "Aros I Fi Yna", Kouyaté first strapped on an electric guitar, immediately demonstrating that he is far more than a virtuoso balafon player. Later in the set, he switched seamlessly to the balafon, the traditional West African wooden xylophone that lies at the heart of his musical heritage.

 

Originally from Guinea and now based in Cardiff, Kouyaté is a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose music draws on his family's griot tradition while embracing jazz, indie, pop and funk influences. His growing reputation has seen him emerge as one of Wales's brightest musical talents, winning the prestigious Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition before earning a coveted Pyramid Stage slot. It is easy to understand why. 

Throughout a set featuring "Nadjeli", "When I See You", "Ti a Fi", "Demousolini", "Balafô Douma" and "Tama", he demonstrated remarkable versatility, with the shimmering sound of the balafon intertwining effortlessly with guitars, percussion and soaring vocals.

 

There was a particularly poignant moment during "Balafô Douma", a song that celebrates the instrument that has shaped his musical journey since childhood. Taught to play the balafon by his parents, Kouyaté performed with the pride of someone carrying a cherished family tradition onto the international stage. It was a performance rooted in heritage, yet entirely contemporary in its sound and outlook.

 

What stood out most, however, was the sheer joy of the performance. Kouyaté's infectious smile and boundless energy radiated across the Pavilion, encouraging the audience to clap, dance and sing along. Before long, dozens of competitors from around the world had gathered in front of the stage, transforming the Pavilion into one huge party. It was impossible not to be swept along by the optimism that runs through his music, a reminder that the finest performances do more than entertain; they bring people together.

Global Rhythms: Made in Wales was more than a concert.

 

It was a celebration of a modern, confident Wales that embraces its own traditions while welcoming influences from around the world. From the swagger and precision of Band Pres Llareggub, to the lyrical brilliance of Sage Todz and the irresistible rhythms of N'famady Kouyaté, this was an evening that left the audience smiling long after the final notes had faded.