A deeply moving documentary exploring the life, music, and struggles of late Scottish-Kenyan singer-songwriter Beldina Odenyo is now streaming on BBC iPlayer. Titled Bel, the film offers a raw tribute to an uncompromising artist whose career was tragically cut short when she took her own life in 2021 at the age of 31.
Directed by Louise Lockwood, the documentary was filmed over three years and guided by Odenyo’s older sister, Dr. Leah McAleer. Following a prominent screening that closed the Edinburgh International Film Festival and a regional cinema tour, the film brings renewed visibility to an exceptional talent who performed under the moniker Heir of the Cursed.
A Visionary Artist on the Cusp of Stardom
In October 2021, Odenyo delivered a spellbinding, barefoot performance at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall that left audiences and music industry professionals convinced she was on the verge of a major breakthrough. Just two weeks later, she passed away.
The documentary utilizes an intimate archive of video diaries, phone recordings, and personal journals left behind by Odenyo. Through these fragments, the artist narrates much of her own story, discussing her relationship with music, her experiences of growing up as a person of color in Dumfriesshire, and her battles with mental health.
Contributors featured in the film include poet Jackie Kay, fellow musicians like Lewis Semple and Kathryn Joseph, and close friends who reflect on her fierce artistic independence and profound impact on Scotland’s independent music scene.
Completing the Posthumous Album
A central narrative of Bel follows McAleer’s determined journey to finish and release her sister’s debut album from a collection of home demo recordings labeled “passable demos.” Working alongside Scottish producers and sound engineers, including Paul Savage, McAleer brought the intimate, atmospheric tracks to completion.
The resulting record, Heir of the Cursed, features spare guitar arrangements combined with electronic percussion and layered harmonies. The album later earned a nomination for the prestigious Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, cementing Odenyo’s enduring musical footprint.
Where to Watch and Support
Bel originally aired on BBC Scotland and BBC Four and is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
If you or someone you know has been affected by issues raised in this article, support is available. In the UK and Ireland, you can call Samaritans on freephone 116 123. In the US, call or text 988 to reach the Crisis Lifeline. In Australia, contact Lifeline at 13 11 14. International helplines can be found via Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org).
Frequently Asked Questions About Beldina Odenyo
Who was Beldina Odenyo?
Beldina Odenyo was a talented Scottish-Kenyan singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who performed under the stage name Heir of the Cursed. Known for her powerful voice and deeply intimate songwriting, she passed away in October 2021 at the age of 31.
What is the documentary ‘Bel’ about?
Bel is a biographical documentary directed by Louise Lockwood and guided by Odenyo’s sister, Leah McAleer. It chronicles Odenyo’s extraordinary musical talent, her struggles with mental health and racism, and her family’s efforts to preserve her artistic legacy by completing her debut album.
Where can I watch the documentary ‘Bel’?
The documentary is available to stream on BBC iPlayer following its broadcast on BBC Scotland and BBC Four, as well as its screening at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
What album did Beldina Odenyo leave behind?
Odenyo left behind a collection of home demo recordings that her sister Leah compiled and finished with the help of Scottish producers like Paul Savage. Released as Heir of the Cursed, the album received a nomination for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award.
Where did Beldina Odenyo grow up?
Odenyo was born in Kisumu, western Kenya, and moved to Scotland as a child, growing up primarily in Kirkconnel, Dumfries and Galloway, before later establishing her creative roots in Glasgow and Paisley.
