'Set in the unofficial reggae capital of London, Babymother is considered the first Black British musical, following an all-girl reggae group headed towards success despite the struggles they face as mothers let down by the welfare state. Refusing to become tragic figures, they find joy, community, and power through music whilst being decked out in the most 90s outfits you’ve ever seen in this compelling and kinetic snapshot of the London dancehall scene.' - Ivy, Young Programmer
In this drama, a woman tries to balance her personal responsibilities with her budding career as a musician. Anita (Anjela Lauren Smith) wants to make a career as a reggae singer. She has talent, drive, and a solid vocal group with her friends Sharon (Caroline Chikezie) and Yvette (Jocelyn Esien). But Anita also has two kids, and trying to raise her children while following her dreams and struggling to get out of the projects is no easy task.
Byron (Wil Johnson), the father of her children, doesn't approve of her musical ambitions, and while mourning the death of her mother, Anita makes the shocking discovery that she wasn't really her mother: Rose (Suzette Llewellyn), the woman she grew up believing was her big sister, was her biological mother all along. Despite her personal crises, Anita refuses to give up on her desire to make it in music, and she meets an agent (Diane Bailey) who wants to help her achieve her goal. Babymother was the feature debut for writer/director Julian Henriques.
Young Programmers Festival 2026: Screening as part of a curated week of films by Showroom's 16-19 year old young programmers. Screening as part of a double-bill with Northern Soul.
Director Julian Henriques
Year 1998
Duration
1h 22m
Language English
Cast Anjela Lauren-Smith, Wil Johnson, Don Warrington