Stars Are Born In Wales

Performing at this year's Butetownn Carnival at the Senedd, Luchia, was 7 years old, when she watched her Welsh, Jamaican idol, Aleighcia Scott. She looked at the stage and vowed to do the same one day. Thanks to Butetown Carnival organiser Keith Murrell, for making spaces for all shades of faces, to get together and celebrate diverse culture, outside the iconic, Wales Millennium centre and Senedd. 

We had a Q&A with this little Welsh star in the making! 

Who are you? 

My name is Luchia, I am 11 years old, and I am Welsh, mixed heritage Greek and Nigerian. 

When did you start singing?

I started singing from the minute I was able to speak, but it really started at the age of four. 

Who inspires you?

My mum, inspires me, she is hard working and always encourages everything I do. She is the most loving and kind person and my number one fan. I am also really inspired by Aleighcia Scott, I remember watching her perform on stage at Butetown Carnival when I was about 5 years old, and I said to my mum, I want to be just like her when I grow up and I was adamant that I would perform on the same platform. Aleighcia, is a positive representation of Black girl magic. She is very committed to her art, which can be seen in all her achievements. I love the fact that she writes her own songs and music, performing all over the world and now as a radio Wales presenter for the BBC, bringing Reggae music to the Welsh audience. She is living proof that, with hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dreams, despite your race, you just must find people who are willing to give you opportunities. 

What was it like performing live for the first time? 

I first performed live at the age of four, in Queen Street Cardiff. It was for a charity event called, Look Good Feel Better. I also performed at the Wales Millennium Centre, at a Black History Wales event. I remember feeling very nervous, at 7 years old, I was more aware of the crowd, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Especially as it was for such an important event, of which I was so proud to take part in. 

Luchia and Aleicighia Scott

Do you think it is important to see people who look like you, if so, how does it help you? 

I think that it is so important to be able to see yourself represented in every area, especially in professional roles. Even in dolls and within Disney. Because when I was a lot younger, I only remember one Black princess, which was Tiana, from Tiana and the frog.  Most little girls what to be a princess, and I wondered why there were so few Black and Brown princesses. It is important for all little girls and boys to be represented, because it helps to see yourself. I think other important places where representation matters are in children’s books, on TV and other areas in the arts. 

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

I would love to have the opportunity to perform at The Principality Stadium, because it is my hometown. But my dream event would be to headline at Glastonbury, that would be amazing. 

If you could give the Welsh Government a message, what would it be? 

My message to the Welsh Government would be to make sure that their plans to follow through with Black history being made compulsory within schools happens. Because when I was in primary school, we did not have any lessons that taught Black history. Thankfully I was head girl at my school and made it my mission to make sure that I shared all about my experiences and that of other ethnic minorities. This year I entered a competition with ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ in designing an anti-racism poster and I was so honoured to come first place for my design from the whole of Wales. 

How do you connect with your Welshness?

I do find the Welsh language a struggle, but I do try to use it especially, during educational outings and when performing. I love Wales, and I am very proud to be Welsh, we have so many positive role models, such as Shirley Bassey and Colin Jackson. 

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

I would like to eliminate racism in our society. I think it is great that the Welsh Government have introduced the anti-racism action plan, but I think we are a very long way off, eliminating racism all together.