DJ, Michael Ruggiero, from Llansannan raises awareness of the wealth of Welsh language music across North East Wales thanks to support from the Mentrau Iaith.
Known as Mic ar y Meic, Michael has been DJing for over 30 years at all sorts of events including school discos for primary school children across Flintshire, Wrexham, Denbighshire and Conwy. By playing popular Welsh music and combining performances with characters from S4C shows like Donna Direidi and Ben Dant Michael aims to raise awareness of Welsh language music in young children.
He is also a familiar face to the people of Wrexham as the bilingual compère at various public events including the St David’s Day celebrations at Queen’s Square which follow the annual parade.
Michael says;
“I use a mix of popular Welsh and English songs for the children to dance and sing along to and also play a few fun games that encourage the use of the Welsh language in a relaxed atmosphere. This is often the first time that some of the children have ever heard Welsh pop or rock music.
I’m very grateful for the help I receive from the local Mentrau Iaith. I feel that they work hard to promote Welsh language music in the area. Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam has recently helped to set up a radio show ‘Gog a Hwntw’ on the local English language radio station Calon FM to introduce Welsh language music to a completely new audience”
Gill Stephen, Chief Officer of Menter Iaith Fflint a Wrecsam says;
“We are very happy to have Michael DJing and compering for us at our events, where his bilingual skills are invaluable. Music is such a part of Welsh culture that we feel it’s really important to showcase the range of Welsh language music available for everyone, Welsh speakers or not, to enjoy.”
Michael enjoying his work as a DJ