New single and video from Jèrriais band Badlabecques - Jersey Evening Post
by Antonia Rubio · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
New single and video from Jèrriais band Badlabecques
by Antonia Rubio 21 May 202620 May 2026
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A Jèrriais-singing pop-folk band have released a new single created as part of an upcoming documentary exploring the future of Jersey’s native language.
Badlabecques’ latest track – Hauchons (We Rise) – has been launched ahead of the premiere of À Betot? Goodbye?, which will be screened on 23 May as part of the 13th Parish Jersey International Film Festival.
Commissioned by Ben Spink, of L’Office du Jèrriais, the documentary examines the decline and attempted revival of the language, featuring both native speakers and a younger generation of learners.
The film was produced by Mr Spink alongside co-directors Annigna and Tom Kennedy of Little River Pictures.
Mr Spink said: “This beautiful song perfectly encapsulates the message of our documentary film, which is one of hope and optimism for the future of Jèrriais, whilst honouring the last generation for whom it was a first language.”
He added: “I very much hope that the song and film will remind people that Jèrriais is a precious inheritance and an invaluable cultural asset for Jersey.”
The song combines English and Jèrriais lyrics and uses Jersey’s tidal landscape as a metaphor for cultural renewal.
Band member Kit Ashton said: “We wanted to make something hopeful and anthemic, and I was struck by the idea that the lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.
“Our precious and unique Jersey language and culture has been oppressed and dismissed for well over a century, and the last few hundred native Jèrriais speakers are ageing into the twilight of their lives.
“But rather than let Jèrriais slip away, we now have a revitalisation movement made up of thousands of learners, and a thriving community of committed and creative language activists.
“I believe that Jèrriais can benefit our whole island, as something everybody can share and enjoy regardless of background, so I hope we will all rise with this growing tide.”
Mr Ashton also said his children were growing up and had been exposed to the language from birth, describing them as “new native speakers of sorts”.
The single’s lyric video features archive footage filmed by Mr Ashton’s late father, Ron Hanby, who died in 2021.
The footage includes scenes shot at sea during his time as a fisherman, as well as locations around Jersey including Grève de Lecq, Rozel and Saint Helier, including driving scenes through King Street.
One sequence shows Mr Ashtons’s mother, Jenny Doran (née Mills), then aged 21 smiling to camera.
Mr Ashton said: “This amazing time-capsule fitted the song perfectly.”
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