I am DIONNE BENNET

How would you describe your cultural background?

I am Black and Welsh, my parents are West Indian. I grew up with a deep sense of pride of my Blackness and strong connection to my Jamaican heritage. Growing up in Deptford, Southeast London, I never felt Welsh whilst living there and did not tell anyone I was born in Wales, my friends only knew of my connection to Wales when they asked where I had spent my school holidays. When I was younger, I struggled with connecting my Welsh identity and cultural background, but over time I have reconciled the two. But it has been a journey, because I felt my Welshness was confined to certain areas, such as Cardiff, because being Black and Welsh was not seen as being Welsh enough.

Do you feel a sense of Cynefin in Wales?

I now feel a sense of belonging, which has come through stories that my parents, family members and elders, have shared over the years. At family gatherings they spoke about their early experiences of arriving here from the West Indies and how they made Wales their home.

They spoke of the struggles, but also throughout all their challenges, they had a strong determination to succeed in a foreign land. My parents and so many others came to Wales, not only to build a life, but they also helped to build this city.

My father was a carpenter and helped to build Cardiff prison. My mother was a nurse at St David's Hospital, it is these stories and the contributions that makes me feel a sense of belonging and makes my viewpoints as a Black Welsh person became valid. In them I have ownership and feel truly invested in Wales. Unfortunately, my sense of belonging was not created or represented in the history of Wales, or in the media of which I have been exposed to.

"The contributions my parents have made to Wales, makes my viewpoints valid"

Do you think representation is important?

Of course, representation is so important, when I lived in London, I saw people who looked like me every day, in all types of industries. After the murder of George Floyd, during a time when we were all at home, society had looked in the mirror and what was reflecting back, was racism within organisations and some people’s attitudes and behaviours. However, we are seeing some changes within organisations, they seem to not just be listening but believing the lived experiences of Black people here in Wales and across the country. We still have a long way to go, I am doing my bit to create change through my art, which is the best expression I can articulate in a powerful way.

I want modern Wales to be seen for the beauty we have here within our communities. I think it is important to advocate and shout about the contributions Black people have made to Wales. For me, that is a driving force behind my personal and professional life. I am a lecturer in Hereford University and work with the youth community group, which I love to do as it gives me access to young people, and I have learnt a lot about their perspectives. I have also set up a Black Music company, called Tân Cerdd, with the legendary Jaffa, with the intention of creating opportunities for Black artists of all genres to display the creativity and versatility of musical art as well as to forge a new Black music scene to promote the amazing talent that is not always visible.

Who has inspired you?

My sister Karen is my biggest inspiration. Sadly, she is no longer with us, but she encouraged me to explore my musicality and interest in the arts. As a lighter skinned Black woman, she would tell me often how my Blackness was beautiful and demonstrated that in her deeds. Karen was a goddess to me, she had an entrepreneurial flare and was the type of person who’s energy could be felt in a room, her beauty and light demanded attention without saying a word, her intelligence and finesse were other worldly to me as a dark skinned nappy child, I was in awe of her sense of self and, I guess her spirit, is what keeps me progressing in my career and in my own journey of self-discovery.

"My sister's spirit is what keeps me progressing in my career and in my own journey of self-discovery"

How did your singing career start?

My interest in the arts started at about 9 years old, when I started to write lyrics and poems. At the age of 13, I embarked on a music project called the Lucian Academy of Music, now known as the Medi music, which is still going in Deptford in Southeast London. My first encounter was that I became fascinated by the mixing desk and thought that I wanted to be a studio engineer. I was so inquisitive and wanted to know what all the buttons and knobs did and how they worked together. My singing really began when one day, we were in the studio and I took hold of a microphone, I began to sing and the session leader, called Phoenix suggested I joined the singing lessons and the rest is history, I have never looked back. I also went to a place called the Albany and became the main character in a theatre production called ‘13 unlucky for some’. I was so honoured, that a song that I had written at the age of 13, was also used in the production, which made me feel so proud and really encouraged me to record a commercial track, which was called Maria.

DOING HER THANG....

One of my most memorable opportunities, was gaining one of the very few female parts in the official Blues Brothers musical. During the 18-month tour, I learnt so much about the expectations of a professional singer. And, as my knowledge and ability grew, so did my awareness of stage craft and performative elements that go into producing a great show. The youth music projects were fundamental in developing my career as a vocalist, also the experience of being a part of a successful musical, opened the door for me to become a mentor for young people.

If you could perform on any stage in the World, where would it be and why?

I had the absolute pleasure of performing in the Motorpoint arena, in support of Oasis, which was phenomenal, the audience was electric, and we had the best time. But I would love to perform there again with my own music one day. Outside of Wales I would love to perform at the Albert Hall, because it is a historical platform with amazing acoustics. Performing there as a Black artist showcasing my own music would be immense. Internationally, I would love to perform at Maddison Square Gardens, which is iconic. Imagine taking Black Welsh music to that platform. I would also love to go to Fuji Rocks, in Japan and perform at the Jamaican jazz and blues festival, and whilst I am putting it out there for the universe to hear, I would also like to do an Afro Punk event. As an artist, I love variety and there are so many ways to express and represent Black music, I want to do them all!

What advice would you give to a young person, who would like to pursue a career as a singer?

The advice I would give, is to first decide what is it you want from being in the music industry. I would ask them to think about, what do you want? Fame or recognition because it is important to understand the struggles and rewards of each. Personally, I have never wanted fame, but I do want recognition for the work I create, I hope that my legacy is that I left this world a little better because of my art. So, I would suggest to young people starting out, not to box themselves in, be open to exploring different avenues, and not to be afraid of saying no. If you are serious about what you want, then there will always be other opportunities. My advice for a Black woman, would be to not be controlled by others, be bold and brave to be who you are and do not dim your light, being authentic to who you are is the key to being different. The music game is difficult, but it is also a beautiful experience, ultimately, my advice would be, don’t be afraid, and to reach out to people who have gone before you.

If there is one thing you could change in society, what would it be?

If I could change anything in society it would have to be, the concept of race and racism. I would want to inform people that we do have differences, but in the very essence of who we are as humans, we all want the same universal things, such as happiness, a future and for our families to be safe, as well as our basic needs met. Unfortunately, racism divides and dehumanises us and takes away from the beauty of our human collectiveness. If we could eradicate racism, we could solve so many issues in society, that is the reason, why I want to be a positive role model, I want people to explore and express their anger around how they are treated. It is only right that people use their voice, it is the only way we are going to change things, by speaking up. Black people have every right to be infuriated by the way they are often treated, but it is even better when we have allies, who also speak up, that is where the power lies, in our collectiveness.

"I have never wanted fame, but I do want recognition for the work I create, I hope that my legacy is that I left this world a little better because of my art".