What are you up to at the moment? I’m currently being mobbed by fans in a shopping centre! But apart from that, I’m touring with Mystique and promoting my new album, which is out on Monday 6 October. What is it that gets you out of bed every morning? What, apart from the 7 am wake-up call? My job. That sounds really sad! But when you get letters from fans telling you what your music means to them, it makes you want to go to work every day. What is your idea of success? To be in a position to make a difference. It is fulfilling to know that my music can touch people’s lives. What are your three most listened to CDs? Mary J Blige – I listen to her albums all of the time. 50 Cent is a current favourite. And The Darkness. I am really into them at the moment. You took a break at a crucial time in your career in order to become a Mum – what are the best and worst things about looking after your daughter? I love having someone to constantly make me laugh. There’s no downside to being a Mum – only being away from my daughter, given the demands of my job. Having done so much by the age of 23, where do you see yourself in another 20 years time? I hope I’ll still be singing and also writing for other people as well as myself. Mostly, I just hope my daughter is happy. What would you be in another life, if you had not being doing what you do now? Definitely something with kids – a child psychologist. As the winner of a MOBO award (in 2000), do you think white artists should be eligible for black music awards? I think there’s space for everyone to make good ‘black’ music. White acts like Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera who make great songs deserve their awards. What is more important, I think, is recognition of British artists at the awards, and not just Americans. Which superstar would you most like to be stuck in a lift with, and why? I think it would have to be Lamaar – he’d make good conversation!ARCHIVE: 1st Week MT2003
