Mum's The Word

A record deal at 15 and a mother by 20, life for Jamelia has far from been predictable. Ready to go with a new album and still only 22, she tells uk-fusion why she wouldn't have things any other way

You've been away for two years, had a baby and in your absence, there have been a plethora of R&B artists ruling the charts here.  Have you been keeping a close-eye on the competition?

I’d be a child psychologist.  I’m really interesting in psychology and I love children so that would definitely have been my thing.
How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant?
Absolutely devastated! (laughs)  I’m not going to lie.  At the time, my career was absolutely flourishing.  It was not part of my plan, it was the worst thing that could happen but now, at this stage with everything, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I really wouldn’t.  She’s my whole motivation for doing everything; she’s really the greatest thing.
How are you coping with having a child and restarting your music career?
For me it’s been fine - only because I have such a good support system around me.  My mum’s actually given up work to look after my baby for me and as you can hear, sometimes I take her with me.
How did you get your figure back?
Just running around after my daughter!  I haven’t done anything special.  I’ve always tried to eat properly; I don’t really like junk food so I guess it’s just having a healthy lifestyle and especially now with a two-year-old, it’s very strenuous!
You've done a few collaborations, is anyone else you would like to work with?
There are loads of people I admire – Missy Elliott, Ms Dynamite, Lemar, Mary J Blige… I could go on.

It was amazing.  I actually went out to Atlanta to work with him.  He’s a really nice guy and his studio was out of this world!  The track we did together ['Club Hoppin'} is so amazing, so yeah, I’m really happy with that.
America's taken to Craig David and Ms Dynamite well, do you think you stand a good chance especially having supported Justin Timberlake?
To be quite honest, I don’t know how the Americans will take to me.  I’m definitely intending to go over there.   Hopefully I will get the recognition because of my own talent rather than collaborations.
How has this album Thank You changed you and how does it progress from the last?
I’ve grown up a bit and I’ve experienced a lot more.  My life has changed and that’s why it’s such a progressive album compared to the last one.
What's your favourite track?
Ooh, I can’t pick a favourite!  I love so many.  ‘Off Da Endz’, ‘Club Hoppin’, ‘Cutie’, ‘Life’, ‘Thank You’ – I like all of them.
Do you feel more in (artistic) control over songs you've co-written than ones written for you?
Oh definitely.  I’ve had a lot more control on this album and writing songs is very important to me because the listener gets a chance to see what I’m about and what my personality is.  There are a few songs on it that I didn’t write but basically I’d heard them and I loved them so I thought ‘why not?’
Your latest single 'Superstar' is very radio-friendly and poppy compared to the other tracks, are you concerned about that?
Unfortunate as it is, us urban acts have to make songs that are accessible to get recognition.  I do like the song but it wouldn’t have been my first choice, but at the same time, it’s doing a good job of getting me recognised – that’s what I’m aiming to do.
Following your cameo appearance in Hollyoaks, are you planning to take up acting too?
(bursts out laughing)  It’s not really my thing!  I’d like to do a cameo appearance but I’m not ready to be an actress just yet!
What was it like to do Hollyoaks?
It was loads of fun, I really enjoyed myself but it was quite strange as well ‘cos I do actually watch Hollyoaks.
Was Darius there to film his slot on the same day?
He was there on the same day but I didn’t seem him – and I’m not really interested in seeing him any way!