Singer Kelli-Leigh breaks silence on her painful journey against racism
British singer and songwriter Kelli-Leigh, known for her powerful and soulful voice, recently shared the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman in the music industry, even after receiving a Grammy nomination. In an interview with the Mirror, the 39-year-old artist opened up about the struggles she’s encountered on her journey, explaining how racial bias has made her path more difficult.
“A lot of us can feel unified, but we’ll all have a very slightly different experience,” Kelli-Leigh shared, reflecting on the shared yet unique challenges many artists of color face in the industry. Despite her success and recognition, she revealed that she constantly feels the need to prove herself, something she believes her white counterparts don’t experience to the same extent.
As the voice behind hits like On Repeat, Kelli-Leigh has faced assumptions about her music style, often being boxed into categories simply because of her race. “Just because I’m a woman of colour, people will instantly go to R&B and I’d have to correct them. There are brilliant R&B singers, but that’s not my space,” she explained. For Kelli-Leigh, these assumptions are not only limiting but also reveal the industry’s tendency to stereotype artists based on race.
The Grammy nomination was a proud moment for her, yet it came with mixed emotions. Instead of it solely being a personal victory, Kelli-Leigh sees it as an indicator of the uphill battle she’s endured. “I have to work three times as hard, I have to prove myself three times as hard as my white counterpart would have to,” she stated, emphasizing the extra effort required to gain the same recognition.
Kelli-Leigh shared that the music industry can be especially harsh for those who constantly have to prove their worth. While many may see her as a superstar, her journey has been fraught with difficulties and a constant sense of being “left out.” These experiences highlight the systemic issues that persist in the music world, where racial bias can create unnecessary hurdles for talented artists of color.
Despite the challenges, Kelli-Leigh remains resilient and hopeful. For her, the Grammy nomination is not just about personal achievement—it’s a reflection of her journey and the racism she’s had to confront. She continues to advocate for herself and for other artists who face similar barriers, hoping her story will shed light on the inequalities within the industry.
As Kelli-Leigh’s story shows, even Grammy nominations and stardom don’t shield artists from bias. Her experience resonates with many who feel they must work harder to achieve the same level of success. In sharing her journey, Kelli-Leigh hopes to inspire change, pushing the music industry to recognize and reward talent without prejudice.