Tuesday 10 December – Human Rights Day 2024 – marks a new release by Cardiff’s Oasis One World Choir on Sionci, Tŷ Cerdd’s artist-led record label.

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Oasis One World Choir (OOWC) welcomes people who have been displaced from their country of origin to Wales. The choir aims to learn from those who connect with the group –sharing, growing and forming together. The choir is a lifeline for many people who are faced with restarting their lives in a new country; often in a language that is completely new to them. The language of music transcends these barriers, and the choir allows people to make new friends and build community together.

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Through a journey of nearly 10 years, OOWC has been able to create unique and exciting music that culturally honours all those who add to it. Refugees are given a voice in their new community, promoting greater empathy and understanding of the issues they face – becoming role models for others.

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The collaboration with Tŷ Cerdd / Music Centre Wales on the release of this new EP to mark Human Rights Day 2024, amplifies these voices further, via professional label, Tŷ Cerdd’s artist-led marque, Sionci – sharing a powerful model for unity in divided times. The four tracks on the EP echo the theme of World Human Rights 2024: Equality – reducing inequalities and advancing human rights. They joyfully reflect and strengthen the concept of Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary.

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OOWC member Christianah Ugbaja said: “It’s such a great opportunity for us to collaborate with Tŷ Cerdd. Having our songs recorded and launched on their platform will give our choir more visibility - a chance to share our songs with the wider community.”

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The release will be launched at an event at Oasis Cardiff (69b Splott Rd, Cardiff, CF24 2BW) on Monday 9 December, in celebration of Human Rights Day.

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Oasis One World Choir (OOWC)

The One World Choir originated as a small community music project in 2015 based at Oasis, Cardiff (a centre for the refugee and asylum-seeking community) and has been working to welcome and empower new Welsh folk via a programme of workshops and events. OOWC is proud to be able to share a rich blend of culture and music with the general public through an array of workshops and performances. The project has expanded to include professionals with lived experience of seeking sanctuary as part of its freelance staff team. The resulting chemistry of people from around the globe making music together, as well as the many barriers that the project seems to break down along the way, are evidence of the project’s unique impact. 

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