Cerys Hafana

Cerys Hafana is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who mangles, mutates, and transforms traditional music. They explore the creative possibilities and unique qualities of the triple harp, and are also interested in found sounds, archival materials and electronic processing. They come from Machynlleth, Wales, where rivers and roads meet on the way to the sea.

Cerys has won over audiences from Green Man to the Eisteddfod and from BBC 6 Music Festival to Celtic Connections with their magical, progressive sound. Edyf, their second album, drew inspiration from material found in the Welsh National Library’s online archive, including fragments of Psalm tunes, hymns about doomsday and philosophical musings on the length of eternity, along with some original compositions, and was selected as one of The Guardian’s Top Ten folk albums of 2022. Cerys’ latest EP, The Bitter, released earlier in 2024 is an innovative exploration of some dark English and Scottish ballads.

“eerie folk fusion and creative use of harp and found sounds. Innovation abounds…. likely to take a song that we all know so well and tilt it to one side.” Tradfolk

‘…she’s an adept shapeshifter, entwining tradition with direct and personal interpretations to create music that’s both progressive, profound and inspiring.’ Alex Gallagher, Folk Radio UK

‘Hafana explores resonances from the past that connect with the modern day in a contemporary, creative way… she uses her harp as a percussive, jagged-toothed tool… sings movingly, her high voice like an indie-pop soprano shorn of its sweetness.’ Jude Rogers, The Guardian.