A BAND formed by two former Bangor students has become the first to achieve one million plays with a Welsh language song on a global music streaming service.

Dion Jones, of Llanrug, and Sion Land, of Ceunant, put together their band Alffa, whilst studying at Coleg Menai.

Their track ‘Gwenwyn,’ meaning ‘Poison,’ was released in July 2018, and was added to Spotify playlists. It has since been streamed around the world.

The pair, had studied the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music and only completed their course in the summer of 2018.

Now, as part of their rise to success, Alffa was also chosen by the BBC Cymru Wales Horizons project as one of its artists for 2018.

The project, run in collaboration with the Arts Council Wales, aims to develop new, independent contemporary music in Wales.

It gave the band the chance to play summer festivals and events, as well as signing up to Welsh record label Côsh.

The founder of Recordiau Côsh and Welsh singer-songwriter, Yws Gwynedd, said he believed that the band’s success had proved that “language barriers are being blown wide open.”

Alun Llwyd, who previously managed the Super Furry Animals, and now runs independent distributor Pyst, specialising in Welsh artists, also had a hand in helping ensure Alffa's track got the music industry's attention.

He said: "The most exciting thing to come out of this is how it reflects the output, work ethic and abundance of Welsh labels and artists in Wales.

"This is just the beginning.”

Using the income generated by their hit single to cover recording fees, the band is currently working on its first album.

It is hoped it will be released in time for the 2019 Eisteddfod.

Guitarist and lead singer Dion Jones said: "We weren't expecting anything like this, but it has been a huge boost for us as a band, and we’re obviously really proud.”

Coleg Menai Music lecturer Rhys Parry said: “Dion and Sion have worked hard on their songwriting and performance.

"They have already played many gigs and, through this, gained valuable experience. To succeed in the music industry, you have to be out there doing it and these two are. I'm very happy for them both and wish them every success."

For more information on Music courses at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, please visit www.gllm.ac.uk/music