A new documentary by Louise Lockwood, titled 'Bel', delves into the life and death of singer-songwriter Beldina Odenyo, who performed as Heir of the Cursed. The film explores the mental illness that led to Odenyo's death in November 2021, tracing its roots to experiences of exile, loss, and racism.
Odenyo, who was 31 at the time of her death, was reportedly on the cusp of wider recognition following a successful performance at Edinburgh's Usher Hall. However, an interview from that period shows her appearing unwell, struggling with the pressures of successive Covid lockdowns.
The documentary also covers Odenyo's early life, including her arrival in Dumfriesshire from Kenya as a child and the traumas she experienced, such as harassment and physical abuse. Her half-sister Leah is involved in the film, attempting to compile Odenyo's demos into a finished album and reconstruct her sibling's life and struggles.