RIFF, Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf

Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf’s ‘RIFF’ project is a youth led project that empowers young people to form bands, write original Welsh-language music and perform on stages across Wales.

Partnership working sits at the heart of this project, bringing together the strengths of youth workers, musicians and organisations such as Community Music Wales, Clwb y Bont and RCT Music Service to create a pathway for young people interested in music and performance. 

For many young people, this project is their first opportunity to use Welsh naturally outside the classroom, helping to embed it as a living, everyday language. Alongside performance skills, participants also benefit from the support of their youth workers to develop transferable skills.

Judges considered this project to be a powerful example of unlocking potential through language, creativity and community. They commended the project for responding to calls from young people for local opportunities which has developed into a vibrant platform for confidence, self-expression and cultural pride. 

One of the young people involved said:

“The project has made me feel more confident to perform and compose as part of the group, and all the members feel more confident about performing in Welsh after receiving this coaching”.