Songwriting collective Hen Hoose has announced a new bursary for female and non-binary musicians, in honour of the late Kenyan-born Scottish musician, singer, poet and writer Beldina Odenyo. The bursary will provide support and mentorship for an unrecorded artist, including studio sessions to record a debut track, and support with its release.

With new funding from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the Beldina Odenyo Bursary is the first in a range of upcoming activities, including workshops, mentorship opportunities and songwriting camps. Applications for the bursary will be open from Monday 6–Monday 27 May, and artists will be invited to submit details of how they would benefit from the support, together with a rough music demo.

Under the stage name Heir Of The Cursed, Beldina Odenyo's work was rooted in the differences and similarities of her dual Kenyan and Scottish heritage. A statement from Beldina’s family said, ‘Music was Beldina’s soul and solace. In the midst of dangerously underfunded creative industries we hope that this bursary will support and sustain another struggling artist to find and form their song, and connect with the incredible Hen Hoose collective.’

Hen Hoose was established by Tamara Schlesinger in 2020 during the COVID lockdown in order to bolster Scotland’s burgeoning talent pool, connecting local musicians and producers, and helping to build their confidence.

Siobhan Anderson, music officer at Creative Scotland said, ‘Hen Hoose has made such an inspiring impact over the last four years in supporting female and non-binary musicians across Scotland. Their activity helps to break down barriers in the music industry, ensuring that emerging artists have valuable opportunities to grow and learn from each other and from mentors. Hen Hoose’s plan to increase and diversify their activity over the next two years will contribute to making the Scottish music scene a more vibrant and supportive landscape for up-and-coming talent.’

Applications for the Beldina Odenyo Bursary can be made through the Hen Hoose website from Monday 6–Monday 27 May.