Two of Wales’ leading instrumentalists launch new musical career with award-winning band ‘Dewin’

Published

11 months ago

March 5, 2025

How often are children told that learning an instrument is something that will give them untold pleasure for the rest of their lives? Loads.

But how many children actually believe this?

Two local musicians who have spent their childhood years studying, performing and excelling at their musical platforms are now gaining recognition in the cut-throat world of pop.

Jencyn Corp and Lefi Dafydd both accomplished their grade 8s at very young ages and have both performed on the classical stage winning awards and gaining recognition as two of Wales’ most outstanding young performers.

But earlier this year their band, ‘Dewin’ (Wizard), scooped the best band award in Gwyl Fel ‘na Mai’s prestigious ‘Gwobr Goffa Richard a Wyn’. The award is in memory of iconic Welsh musicians Richard and Wyn Jones who formed the influential band ‘ Ail Symudiad’ before launching the Fflach recording studios which are based in Cardigan. As a result of the award, ‘Dewin’ is now proving a firm choice at some of this year’s main Welsh music festivals including the two-day Tafwyl festival in Bute Park, Cardiff, (June 14), and Gwyl Fel na Mai which takes place in Crymych on May 3.

“Having the chance to play at events such as these as well as having the opportunity to start experimenting with a totally different way of performing to what I’ve been used to is a real gift,” said Lefi during a break from his studies as a first year student at Cambridge University, where he’s studying Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic .

“I started playing the piano when I was around six, and then began learning the clarinet shortly afterwards, but I always played in a very correct and classical way.

“Obviously since moving to Cambridge, it’s been difficult for me to continue playing, so having the opportunity to perform with ‘Dewin’ is fantastic. In many ways, ‘Dewin’ has taken over how I’m now performing as a musician.”

Similarly, Jencyn began learning piano at the tender age of six. His love of music as a child led to him subsequently learning the flute, harp, piano accordion and, more recently, the pipe organ.

“My mother always used to play me baby Mozart CDs when I was a child, so maybe this was why I was so keen to learn an instrument,” he laughs in that charismatic Corp way.

“I joined the junior conservatoire when I was a bit older and this was when I started finding out about jazz and learning how to be a bit more adventurous with improvisation. So I suppose this was where the idea of being in a band came from, where I could create my own sounds and write my own material.”

But then A levels took over (both are former pupils of Ysgol y Preseli) followed by the interview and audition processes to continue their studies at university. Jencyn is currently taking a gap year after being accepted to read Music at Southampton University in September 2025.

Jencyn and Lefi had been performing together for several years with their slightly unconventional repertoire of traditional Welsh folk tunes, Jencyn on piano accordion and Lefi on clarinet. And it was during a recent performance at a children’s twmpath (folk dance), that the duo were heard by Fflach Cymunedol’s Nico Dafydd. As a result, the pair were invited into the studio to talk about ways in which their highly original style could be developed.

“And this was how ‘Dewin’ started,” continues Jencyn.

“Even though Lefi is an incredibly good pianist with his highly technical classical repertoire, and even though I’m pretty good at performing jazz, when you put the two of us together we’re actually more similar than you’d think. Lefi has a very creative brain and I’m always working on song ideas and the way in which different instruments, possibly instruments that you wouldn’t normally associate with a pop band, might work together.”

Last May, long before Dewin saw the light of day, Jencyn sat down one afternoon with his phone to do a spot of composition.

“This was very typical of me at the time,” he laughs. “But I started working harder with this one particular song. And when I played the idea to Nico Dafydd, this was the song that Fflach decided to release as our single.”

The song, entitled ‘Syched Cas’ (Nasty Thirst) is being released under the Fflach Cymunedol label this Friday, March 7.

“It’s definitely more interesting than your conventional pop song, and this is probably the result of Jencyn’s considerable understanding of jazz,” continues Lefi. “It’s got all these fantastic harmonies and chords with their ninths and sevenths, but it’s also got this incredibly catchy chorus.”

The opportunity to work and record with the Fflach team has helped Corp and Dafydd gain an invaluable insight into how recording engineers transform a musical idea into an intricately layered finished piece.

“It’s wonderful that we have a community studio such as Fflach on our doorstep, with the aim of nurturing Welsh talent and giving people an opportunity to use the studio and its recording facilities,” continued Jencyn. “It’s certainly given us the technical advantage of being able to use things like cubase and logic pro, and it’s really opened doors for us.

“In a studio you can sit down and listen and keep adding and adding. And we’ve set quite a high standard for ourselves. But we’ve also got to perform our songs to the public, and try to set the same standards that we did in the recording studio, and this can be quite difficult to achieve on stage.

“But music has always meant so very much to both me and Lefi, so being able to continue our journey, albeit it in a different direction, is fantastic. In many ways, this is why the name ‘Dewin’, or wizard, is so apt. It has that slightly nostalgic sense of playful magic that we had as children. And once again we’re now having the magic of music to explore and perform to a wider audience.

“But whatever lies ahead, Lewi and I are determined to give ‘Dewin’ absolutely everything we’ve got.”

Given the musical talents that both men have consistently displayed since their primary school days, Welsh music lovers have got an awful lot to look forward to, whenever ‘Dewin’ take to the stage.

News

Paris in February made easy with special direct Air France flights from Cardiff

Published

7 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRAVELLING to Paris has never been simpler for Welsh holidaymakers, with Air France launching a series of special direct weekend services from Cardiff Airport to the French capital this month.

The limited-period flights offer a convenient, non-stop journey of under two hours to Paris, giving passengers more time to enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine and famous landmarks without the hassle of connections or long road transfers to other UK airports.

Timed perfectly for winter city breaks and Valentine’s getaways, the services run between February 13 and February 16, making them ideal for long weekends.

February is widely considered one of the best times to visit the French capital, with fewer crowds and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Visitors can explore world-famous attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral, browse galleries at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or simply enjoy cafés, bistros and Michelin-starred dining across the city.

With Valentine’s Day falling during the operating period, the flights offer couples an easy escape for scenic walks along the Seine, memorable meals and classic Parisian experiences.

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “We’re delighted to offer direct flights to such a vibrant city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach, giving customers an easy, friendly travel experience and fantastic options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are excited to make this opportunity possible, with more to come from Cardiff.”

Seats are available now via airfrance.co.uk and through travel agents. As availability is limited, early booking is recommended.

Flight schedule

Cardiff (CWL) to Paris (CDG)

• Feb 13 – AF4149 – 6:20pm → 8:50pm
• Feb 14 – AF4149 – 3:20pm → 5:50pm
• Feb 15 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 15 – AF4151 – 9:00pm → 11:30pm
• Feb 16 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 16 – AF4151 – 5:50pm → 8:20pm

Paris (CDG) to Cardiff (CWL)

• Feb 13 – AF4148 – 5:00pm → 5:30pm
• Feb 14 – AF4148 – 2:00pm → 2:30pm
• Feb 15 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 15 – AF4150 – 7:40pm → 8:10pm
• Feb 16 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 16 – AF4150 – 4:30pm → 5:00pm

Education

Language commissioner launches probe into school closure impact on Welsh

Published

7 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Language Commissioner has launched a formal investigation into claims that the proposed closure of a rural Carmarthenshire primary school did not properly assess the impact on the Welsh language.

Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith confirmed this week that the Welsh Language Commissioner will examine whether Carmarthenshire County Council complied with its legal duties when producing a language impact assessment linked to plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan.

The council issued a statutory notice last year proposing to shut the village school at the end of the summer term as part of wider education reorganisation. A final decision had been expected this spring.

However, the investigation now creates fresh uncertainty over the timetable.

Complaint over ‘insufficient assessment’

Cymdeithas yr Iaith says it submitted a formal complaint arguing that the council failed to produce a sufficiently detailed assessment of how the closure could affect Welsh-medium education and the wider Welsh-speaking community.

The group claims the authority selectively used data to support closure rather than examining all available evidence objectively.

Two key concerns were raised.

Firstly, campaigners argue there may not be enough places in neighbouring Welsh-medium schools to accommodate pupils from Llansteffan and nearby housing developments, potentially forcing some families into English-medium provision.

Secondly, they say the assessment did not meaningfully consider the school’s role as a community hub or explore ways the site could generate income and support local Welsh-language activities.

On behalf of local members, Ffred Ffransis said: “There will not be places for all the Llansteffan children, nor for the children of the new housing estates, in other Welsh-medium schools in the area.

“The most cost-effective way of providing sufficient places locally in Welsh-medium education is by keeping open Ysgol Llansteffan and making better use of the buildings, including environmental education and community use.”

Formal investigation

In a letter to the group, the commissioner confirmed an investigation will be held under Section 71 of the Welsh Language Measure to determine whether the council complied with Welsh language standards.

The probe could take up to three months.

Campaigners believe this may delay implementation of the closure and could require the council to revisit its assessment and potentially carry out a fresh statutory consultation.

Ffransis said: “Even if the council now decided to make a full and meaningful assessment, there would likely have to be a new consultation. The original decision may have been taken on a faulty basis.”

He added that similar concerns had been raised about language impact assessments connected to other proposed school closures in the county.

Council position

The council has previously said that school reorganisation proposals are driven by falling pupil numbers, financial pressures and the need to ensure sustainable, high-quality education.

Authorities across Wales have faced difficult decisions in recent years as rural rolls decline and building maintenance costs rise.

It is expected the council will respond formally to the commissioner’s investigation in due course.

What happens next

If the commissioner finds that language standards were not properly followed, enforcement steps could be taken and the process delayed or revisited.

For families in Llansteffan, the outcome may determine whether their local Welsh-medium school remains open beyond the summer term.

The Herald has contacted Carmarthenshire County Council for comment.

Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Business

First Minister criticised after ‘Netflix’ comment on struggling high streets

Published

7 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Government announces 15% support package but campaigners say costs still crushing hospitality

PUBS, cafés and restaurants across Wales will receive extra business rates relief — but ministers are facing criticism after comments suggesting people staying home watching Netflix are partly to blame for struggling high streets.

The Welsh Government has announced a 15% business rates discount for around 4,400 hospitality businesses in 2026-27, backed by up to £8 million in funding.

Announcing the package, Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.”

The announcement came hours after Eluned Morgan suggested in Senedd discussions that changing lifestyles — including more time spent at home on streaming services — were contributing to falling footfall in town centres.

The remarks prompted political backlash.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said: “People are not willingly choosing Netflix over the high street. They are being forced indoors because prices keep rising and wages are not.

“Blaming people for staying at home is an insult to business owners who are working longer hours just to survive.”

Industry groups say the problem runs deeper than consumer behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomed the discount but warned it would not prevent closures.

Chris Charters, CAMRA Wales director, said: “15% off for a year is only the start. It won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by.

“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close.”

Across Pembrokeshire, traders have repeatedly told The Herald that rising energy bills, wage pressures and rates — rather than a lack of willingness to go out — are keeping customers away.

Several town centres have seen growing numbers of empty units over the past year, with independent shops and hospitality venues reporting reduced footfall outside the main tourist season.

While ministers say the relief balances support with tight public finances, business groups are calling for wider and longer-term reform.

Further debate on rates changes is expected later this year.