A new qualification in Gaelic rap music has been launched at the Royal National Mod.
The rapid fire song style is involved in one of several language study units qualifications from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
Traditionalists will be horrified by the modern styles of music young Gaels are now being to play but music course consultant, and former Gaelic rocker, Calum Martin says it may be the very thing to revitalise the language amongst youth.
He says many youngsters wrongly identify Gaelic music as “granny music“ -
But he highlights they should be actively encouraged to create new energised and modern styles of Gaelic music and song which appeals to their own generation.
He points out repeating the lyrics also means “rap is a great style to teach young people Gaelic.
He added: “Gaelic is such a musical language that there is nothing which it cannot do, musically.
He laments that the present generation haven’t adapted mainstream musical influences into a Gaelic sound the way Runrig wowed audiences in the 1980s.
He said: “The bards of old were great and I hope this course kick starts a new generation of Gaelic song writers.”
He hopes it will get young people writing Gaelic songs in contemporary styles they
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Well known Hebridean fiddler Jane Hepburn who experiments with new styles of music on a traditional instrument said: “This is a brilliant idea. It sounds fantastic and will get young people involved in music and it’s a great way of learning Gaelic.”
In addition to the contemporary music course twelve new free-
Lews Castle College in Stornoway is piloting the music qualification which will become available across Scotland.
New music course in Gaelic rap 18/10/11
Musician Jane Hepburn says the contemporary Gaelic music qualification is a great idea