WELSH ROOTS, REGGAE ODYSSEY: INSIDE ALEIGHCIA SCOTT’S LANDMARK ALBUM TAITH
A few years ago, Aleighcia Scott was a Welsh learner. This summer, she drops her debut Welsh-language album, Taith, on Recordiau Côsh. Right alongside the record, she marks another massive personal milestone. She receives the Green Robe of the Gorsedd at the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol in Pembrokeshire.
The title says it all. Taith, meaning Journey, traces Aleighcia’s path with the Welsh language, followed entirely in the public eye. Her journey spanned from the S4C television series Iaith ar Daith to her coaching role on the channel’s Y Llais (The Voice).
That same path produced a run of pioneering Welsh-language singles. Among them is Dod o’r Galon, the first Welsh reggae track to reach number one on the iTunes Reggae chart.
Recorded with Yws Gwynedd and Rich James Roberts, the ten-track collection weaves energetic singles like Diolch, Gwreiddiau, and Hawdd together with fresh songs of love and heartbreak. It closes with a soul-stirring version of the national anthem, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.
IMPOSSIBLE TO LISTEN TO WITHOUT SMILING AND DANCING
During this year’s Eisteddfod festival, Aleighcia will be honoured by Gorsedd Cymru for her remarkable contribution to Welsh culture. She will be recognised for building bridges between Wales and the Caribbean, normalising the Welsh language within international music, and inspiring learners through her broadcasting and her support for others.
“Originally, the aim was to write a few singles, but we created an album in just a few sessions. I love it!” Scott beams.
Label head Yws Gwynedd agrees, saying, “I’m so proud that Côsh gets to work with Aleighcia to release one of the most summery Welsh-language albums ever! It’s impossible to listen to this without smiling and dancing.”
TAITH TRACKLIST
01. Diolch
02. Gwreiddiau
03. Dim Ti Di’r Un
04. Neud e i Ti
05. Dod o’r Galon
06. Hawdd
07. Dwi Angen Mwy
08. Cofia Hyn
09. Tyfu
10. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau
ABOUT ALEIGHCIA SCOTT
Blending Cardiff roots with Jamaican soul, powerhouse vocalist Aleighcia Scott has redefined chart history with Dod o’r Galon, the first Welsh reggae track to hit number one. She commands UK airwaves with a regular show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Radio Wales.
Fresh off her Gorsedd Cymru induction and coaching role on Y Llais (The Voice), Aleighcia Scott continues to break boundaries globally.
