JESC 2018 | Meet Manw From Wales

This year a record breaking 20 countries will be taking part in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Minsk, Belarus on the 25th November 2018. With less than a week to go until the competition, Eurovoxx will introduce you to each artist, and give a little insight to the country they will be representing. Today's final installment comes from Manw who will be representing Wales.

Who Is Manw?

Manw will represent Wales this year with the song "Perta (Prettiest)", which was written by one of her favourite song writers, 'Ywain Gwynedd'. She will be Wales' first ever representative at the contest. She was born on the 6th March 2004, and is 14 years old. She was born, and lives in North Wales, and is quite the accomplished singer. As in every Welsh person, singing is in her blood. She is a member of the famous choir 'Cor Glanetwy', which managed to reach the finals of Britain's Got Talent back in 2015. Although, they did not win, the choir managed to get worldwide success.

The talented singer has also appeared at the 'Urdd National Eisteddfod For Wales' several times, most recently back in 2017, where everything culturally, and linguisitcally Welsh is celebrated. Also, in 2014, Manw played the part of Awen in the Welsh version of the animated film, The Secret of Kells (Cyfrinach Llyfr Kells). Of the song, 'Perta', Manw describes it as a personal one, it is about protecting yourself, and the values that you truly believe in. Of all the songs she received to sing, it was this one that the young singer really connected with. It was a complete surprise for Manw, when she found out that she had won her place in Wales' national final. The producers went to her school, and called her to reception to receive the good news. Everyone involved was emotional, even the school receptionist. She will be Wales' first ever representative at the contest, and is the perfect choice for Wales. She is talented, friendly, and is the epitome of what the Junior contest is about. The song which was released on YouTube on the 16th October 2018 has amassed an impressive 68,000 views. Check it out below:

How Was Manw Chosen?

As it is Wales' first participation, the country went all out. This year the country decided to hold a national final called, "Chwilio Am Seren (Search for a star)". The programme started by having two shows that covered the auditions process. Connie Fisher, Stifyn Parri and Tara Bethan were the mentors of these children, whilst the show was hosted by Trystan Ellis-Morris. Twenty singers were initially selected, but this was whittled down to 10, who all performed at the Quadrant Shopping centre in Swansea. The jury would then decide who would go on to be present in the national final. The final was then held in Llandudno's Venue Cymru on the 9th October 2018. The first round saw six live finalists perform cover songs, which saw the mentors give their opinions only. Three artists were eliminated, which saw Manw, Ella, and Lily progress to the final round. Ultimately it was the regional vote, and televote that decided Manw would have the honour of representing Wales at its first ever Eurovision.

Eurovoxx Reacts to "Perta":

Wales At The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2018

This is the first time that Wales will participate at the Eurovision. Whatever the result will be Wales' best result. She will be performing 18th in the final, and walking down the red carpet in Minsk she was last alphabetically.

All the team at Eurovoxx would like to wish these young, talented singers a big "Pob Lwc" in Minsk !

Do you like the song? Do you think it could win? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments below.