In the run-up to the upcoming 2021 Senedd Election, Nub News is profiling the candidates running for Cardiff South and Penarth.

Nasir Adam was born in 1978 in Butetown, or Tiger Bay.

His father, like his immigrant grandfather, was a merchant sailor.

"So I'm absolutely aware of what it's like to grow up in the docks," he tells Nub News while delivering leaflets on the eve of the election.

"I was just sick and tired of seeing all the injustices around me when I was growing up in terms of education and housing. Now I look at my own children, and not much has changed."

Nasir is now a father of four living in Grangetown. He works for Cardiff Council allocating accommodation for homeless people.

Although chosen as Plaid Cymru's 2021 Senedd election candidate, Nasir only converted to the party in 2014.

"I was an active Labour member for over ten years. I actually campaigned for Vaughan Gething, would you believe?

"But then I just thought to myself, 'for the 21 years Labour have been in power, we really haven't made any dramatic changes to our communities'. We weren't pushing enough for the voices in our communities.

"I was sick and tired of the gap between politics and communities. Politicians weren't in their communities, weren't supporting their communities.

"People are sick and tired of politicians and I understand why. They only see politicians at the elections.

"COVID-19 highlighted the things we've always known as community enablers. Why does it take a virus to tell us what's been happening when communities have been saying it for 21 years?

"Things like inequality. BLM highlighted the inequalities of opportunities for our young people.

"Where's the passion in politics? We need to reignite our communities. The biggest thing is trust."

As a Plaid Cymru candidate, Nasir is in favour of an independent Wales.

However, he says this is not his highest priority.

"The referendum won't happen for the next five years, but every person has the right to be asked that question. If people refuse it, that's democracy, that's fine. But at least give them the vote.

"People have been let down by Westminster. We haven't got a voice. There's no true representation of us. You hear about Scotland and England all the time on the news. Where's Wales?"

Nasir cites housing inequality, fair wages, education and the environment as his primary concerns.

He advocates a rent cap and the teaching of minority history in schools.

But Nasir's predecessor received just 14.3% of the constituency vote in the last election.

Does he believe he can win the seat?

"I hope I'm elected. It isn't a two horse race and if you say that you're insulting people's intelligence. It's about time that people are given a real alternative choice.

"I'm hoping that we do well in the regional list. Look at the SNP. A lot of people doubted them in Scotland. I'm hopeful. I hope people see that I want change and I am getting amazing feedback. The sea of change is coming.

"The major difference between Plaid and Labour is that the people who are standing for Plaid are people who are just like you. People in your communities.

"We want change. Haven't we given Labour enough opportunity to give us that change? All I'm saying is, at least give us a try."

Read the Plaid Cymru 2021 manifesto HERE.