Singer, BBC Radio Wales host, and reggae sensation Aleighcia Scott is making waves with her Grammy-nominated album ‘Windrush Baby,’ which pays tribute to her Welsh-Jamaican heritage and seeks to educate the world about the diverse community in Cardiff. Born and raised in Rumney, Cardiff, Scott often surprises audiences with her melodic Welsh accent when she takes the stage, sparking curiosity about the Windrush generation’s presence in Wales.
The album ‘Windrush Baby’ holds significant personal meaning for Scott, as it honors the people who emigrated from the Caribbean to Britain between 1948 and 1971. After reaching the top of the Apple Reggae Album Chart, the album has now qualified for a Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. Scott’s childhood was immersed in Cardiff’s vibrant West-Indian community, and through her music, she hopes to shed light on Wales’ diversity and put it on the global map.
Being both Welsh and West-Indian, Scott considers herself a proud representative of both cultures and believes it is essential to share this story with the world. She highlights the inspiring journey of her grandparents, who moved from Jamaica to Wales with nothing and built their lives from scratch. Her nan worked as a nurse, while her grampy toiled in the steelworks. Scott is inspired by their hard work and believes that everyone has the power to effect change if they put in the effort.
Cardiff boasts a substantial West-Indian community, with close-knit ties between families. Scott feels it is unfortunate that the story of this community is often confined to its own circles. She wants to change that by sharing the narrative wherever she goes. Many people are surprised to learn about the Black community in Cardiff or that Jamaicans reside there. For Scott, it is crucial not only to share the music and culture but also to educate others about the community’s history and presence.
Scott’s love for music developed at an early age, with reggae playing a significant role in her household. Her father, in particular, instilled a passion for the genre in her. Singing at events like The Cardiff Big Weekend introduced her to performing and confirmed her desire to pursue a music career. During her teens, she attended weekly youth clubs where she had the opportunity to write and record music in a studio.
The turning point came when Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, discovered one of Scott’s videos online and invited her to his London studio. This initial encounter led her to collaborate on reggae tracks with Marley and his band, solidifying her commitment to music. Eventually, she decided to pursue her passion full-time and embarked on a journey to Jamaica, where she worked with renowned reggae artists, including RoryStoneLove.
Scott’s dedication to reggae extends beyond her own music. She hosts a weekly reggae show on BBC Radio Wales and occasionally fills in for the iconic reggae DJ David Rodigan on BBC Radio 1Xtra. Thanks to her upbringing immersed in reggae music, creating playlists for her radio shows comes naturally to her.
As a trailblazer for Welsh reggae artists, Scott understands the challenges of being initially underestimated because of her Welsh background. She wants to pave the way for younger artists and ensure they have an easier path, without facing the same hurdles. With the thriving music scene in Wales, she believes it is time for the world to recognize the talent and vibrancy present in the country.
Aleighcia Scott’s musical journey showcases the power of embracing one’s heritage while breaking barriers and stereotypes. Through her Grammy-nominated album ‘Windrush Baby’ and her captivating performances, she is successfully sharing the Welsh-Jamaican story with the world, encouraging appreciation of diversity and highlighting the talent within Wales.
