HOME      EXCLUSIVES    FEATURES    MOVIES    REVIEWS    CONTESTS    TALK TO US    SUBSCRIBE  Look: Supermodel a la Naomi Campbell. Sound: Young, hook-filled R&B. All About: With 2 nominations at the prestigious Brit awards, her smash hit Superstar playing to enthusiastic crowds, and a collaboration with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, it may seem that 23 year old Jamelia has yet to pay her stardom dues. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Discovered by Parlophone at the age of 15, when she stood up in an A&R man's office and sang her own songs accapella, Jamelia was signed on the spot. Her first single was released in 1999 when she was 18 and it looked like the perfect launch. Then Jamelia got pregnant and effectively put her career on hold, although she continued to write during her pregnancy. Her baby girl was born in March 2001 and Jamelia spent the next 2 years bringing her up. Her joy was coupled with the frustration of seeing R&B explode into the mainstream without her. It was especially frustrating that she had spent the 2 years germinating ideas and songs, relishing being with her daughter but itching to get back and prove herself one more time. June 2003 saw her return with her hit song Bout, in spite of problems with the video which delayed the release of the single. But it was her single, the dance track Superstar which really set things off. A duet with Coldplay’s Chris Martin was another bonus. Jamelia says, "Chris is a really inspiring person to work with. It feels like we've created a new genre of music where we both stay true to what we do. His vocals on the track are really haunting. It's amazing that he could write lyrics from a woman's point of view and articulate feelings from a totally different perspective." In the same piece, Jamelia is quoted: "I really want to do this and I know what's required of me. I want to sell records internationally. I literally want to make it all over the world". Prepare to be surprised by Jamelia. Top Track: While Superstar continues to rise up the charts, we recommend her funky ballad Thank You. The pretty melody combined with the sarcastic words is a winner! Album: Called Thank You the album boasts of tracks that deal with a variety of subjects like domestic abuse, broken hearts and some light fun tracks as well. Look out for her collaboration with Coldplay’s Chris Martin on a track called See It In A Boy's Eyes. You can read the complete special feature in the June 2004 issue of The Record Music Magazine available at your local newsagent. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: The Record has been around since 1998. Do you have every issue of your favourite magazine? to order back issues Would you like to have your favourite music magazine delivered directly to your doorstep? Website: Thrillpill Design © THE RECORD MUSIC MAGAZINE. All Rights Reserved.