New Video: Welsh Artist Mali Hâf Shares Boldly Feminist “HWFM”

With the release of her debut EP, 2023’s Jig-So, 24 year-old Cardiff, Wales, UK-based Celtic Soul singer/songwriter Mali Hâf quickly established a bold and remarkably modern yet anachronistic sound that sees her pairing traditional Welsh folk melodies with experimental electronic production. The result is an innovative approach on what contemporary Welsh music could be and sound like this century.

The rising Welsh artist is currently working on her highly-anticipated full-length debut, which is slated for an early 2026 release. The forthcoming album’s first single “HWFM,” is short for “Hen Wlad Mamau,” a boldly feminist reimagining of the Welsh National Anthem “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadhau” (Old Land of My Fathers).”

The song sees the Welsh artist flipping the song’s original perspective to celebrate and honor the contributions of women to the country’s history and culture, actively reframing Wales as the “Old Land of My Mothers.” Anchored around a hook-driven and brooding, Portishead meets Paramore-like production, “HWFM” sees the Welsh-based artist adopting a playfully cheeky and defiantly in-your-face delivery.

But underneath the cheekiness, Hâf expresses a deep, heartfelt longing for Wales — and all nations — to be places of true equality, to be safe havens for women and nurturing spaces for everyone. The song also challenges listeners to think beyond traditional gender roles and stereotypes, openly calling for empathy, care and compassion as a nation’s defining values.

“I wrote this song out of frustration – seeing women still unsafe inside and outside their homes, hearing the same stories about abusive behaviour on the news, and remembering my own experiences. These are highly painful personal experiences where the hurt will last a long time but now is not the time to mention details,” the Welsh artist says.

 “Wales may be small, but why can’t we lead the way?” She continues. “This song really isn’t just about women; it’s about creating a Wales where everyone, all genders and LGBTQ can feel emotionally and physically safe to be themselves. It’s cheeky and playful, with an unapologetic attitude and grit, but mainly Hopeful. I love Wales, our anthem, and our traditions, but it doesn’t help to sugarcoat things. So parts of the anthem, Land of my Fathers are name checked in the song.  If we call ourselves a land of poets, singers, and creatives, are we really listening to all the voices? Let’s ride the wave, the wave of change where diversity is welcomed and room is made for all, and make sure we are doing what ‘officially’ we say we’re doing. It should be obvious to all that respecting diversity and women’s rights are under real threat right now in most countries on this planet – not just the obvious example of the USA. Change starts somewhere – why not here in this country that we are so proud of”. 

Directed by Trigger Happy, the accompanying video features Mali Hâf as a mischievous and rebellious Harley Quinn-like character with her backing band. It captures the cheekiness of the song, as well as the bond she has with her band.