Alesha Dixon, a judge on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), is among the celebrities featured in a new online docuseries called Mission Motherland. This series follows four British stars as they delve into their family histories and explore themes of Black British identity.
Each episode showcases a celebrity tracing their ancestral roots, visiting their parents’ hometowns, and discovering the stories that shaped their family’s past. Additionally, the participants engage in personal missions to give back to their connected communities, reflecting on how their heritage influences their identities.
In Alesha’s upcoming episode airing on January 23, the 47-year-old singer travels to Jamaica with her brothers to uncover her family’s hidden history on the island. During her journey, she learns that her ancestors owned 82 acres of land, which they defended against British colonials, leaving a legacy of resistance.
As Alesha delves deeper into her family’s narrative, she confronts emotional gaps and pieces together a lineage previously unknown to her. Through these revelations, she gains insight into how her family’s history has shaped her identity. Alesha also explores her musical heritage in Kingston, seeking connections to her roots.
The series, produced by Big Deal Films, features other celebrities like Clara Amfo heading to Ghana, AJ Tracey in Trinidad, and Jimmy Akingbola reconnecting with his Nigerian heritage. Mission Motherland premieres on January 20 on 5’s streaming service and the BET International YouTube channel.