Today I’m remembering a lovely lady and incredibly talented singer/songwriter. Her name is Beldina Odenyo and I heard yesterday that she has tragically died at the age of 31.

Listen here to Beldina creating her magic at the last Kintyre Songwriters Festival before lockdown (video poor, but the sound is wonderful). And here is an article in memory of her in The Scotsman .

I first heard Beldina play at the Kintyre Songwriters Festival. She was amazing from the very first time, and she only got better. We were also privileged to have her play at a Homesong here in Campbeltown. Again, wonderful, as she shared the gig with her partner Lewis Semple. In fact she features visually at that gig on the Homesong video which we made to spread the idea of music in homes.

We had talked a while ago about doing a Homesong “swap” in which I would play at her place and she and Lewis would play again here. Sadly that never happened. Recently her creative career involving music and theatre has been taking off in Scotland, to much well deserved acclaim.

It’s just very sad, heart breaking news, and hard to listen to her beautiful voice and songs at the moment, even though I only knew her a little. My deepest sympathy to her close family and friends.

Rest in peace Bella.