Beverley Knight:  a UK R&B singer/songwriter who took the UK soul scene by storm in 1995.  Hits such as 'Moving on Up' and the classic single ‘Flavour of the old school’ graced my teenage years and had me dancing around Mum’s kitchen!  Her album, “Voice” was one of the frequently listened to CD’s in my Nissan Micra.  “Get-Up”, which I first heard in 2001, when I was oh-so-young, filled me with the urge to play it at full-blast in my car and sing at the top of my voice!  So you can imagine how thrilled I was, to get the opportunity to interview the lady herself!  I was fascinated by Beverley’s friendly character, how easy she was talk to and how humble she really is.

Here is a tiny fraction of her genuine self...

My favourite song of yours is “Get Up”, as it takes me back to my childhood, all those many moons ago.  What’s your favourite song from your new album, “100%, Beautiful Night? ‘In Your Shoes’ as it takes me back to my childhood too because of the OJ sample.  It’s the sassiness, the ‘get-up’ attitude.  But if you ask me again next week, I’ll say something different!

Who is your female inspiration? My mother. She’s full of grace and strength.  She’s a remarkable woman.  I would love to have just a little bit of what she has!  She is a titan of a woman, in terms of her character and spirit, but she is still a giggly girl.

Are there any musicians who have inspired your career? Shimmy from the Rosettes-she looks amazing.  There’s always been people I’m looking to be like.  When Mary J Blige released her album in 1996, I was so inspired and my album soon followed after. 


How did you get into singing? As a young child, I was raised in a modern church in Wolverhampton, where we had access to a full band.  I could really indulge in my musicality with my sister and brother.  The school I went to also encouraged extra-curricular musical activities.  So I was always able to show prowess musically, Monday to Friday and on a weekend.  I soon became well known around Wolverhampton.  I was invited to do jingles on a local radio station and then a chain of events occurred, which led to my record deal.

So I guess your Mum and Dad are musical too? Mum and Dad are musical.  My brother and sister too.  I have a surplus plethora of cousins, aunts, uncles-who are all musical.  Everyone in my family is very musical and we regularly get together to enjoy our music.

You were born in Wolverhampton, in the UK, just down the road from me in Gloucester.  How often do you go home and how has your success affected your life back home with your loved ones? I’m going home tomorrow, regardless of the weather! London, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Manchester have all come to a standstill.  It’s mad!  I go home as often as I can or they come to me.  It’s vital.  Relationships have changed as we’re getting older, from nurturing to forming a protective ring around me.   I’m the most vocal out of my brother and sister, which has never changed!  When I was young, I was always the baby, even though I’m the middle child.  I was the littlest of the family and I’m still the baby!  Music has pulled us closer.  They are very aware of the word ‘celebrity’ which surrounds me; when we’re out and about, they are just a bit more on guard. 

Have you ever lived abroad as an expat? No.  I never lived abroad.  I lived just a few miles away from you, in Cheltenham, on the Bath Road, where I went to Uni for 3 years.  I’ve only ever lived in London and Wolverhampton.  The only kind of ‘expat experience’ I had, was as an exchange student in Portland, Oregon.  It was loopy!  They couldn’t get over that I was black...but English.

What did you study? I studied for my Theology degree, way back before it got it’s university status.

What’s the best concert you have ever done? There’s two.  In my own right:  Concert at Barrowlands in Glasgow.  It was mind blowing!  It had a spring board stage, a great venue and Glaswegians are so noisy.  The vibe was great!  The greatest night of my life, without a doubt was with Prince.  He flew me over for a post-Oscars party.  I was singing and Stevie Wonder got up on stage and we did a few numbers.  Absolutely mental!

You’re coming to Dubai to perform your concert at the IrishVillage on 22nd January.  Is there anything in particular that you want to do during your stay?  The Burj Khalifa!  Absolutely!  If I don’t do that, I’ll be gutted.  I want to take a picture from the top and give my Mum heart failure...


As a singer, you have obviously travelled the world and experienced different cultures.  Which country is your favourite?  Probably, Brazil.  I’ve never done a concert there.  But I was in a street party, you know how they like to party, and I was at the top of a hill, which became my stage.   I sang acapella and it was brilliant.  There’s something about the people and their spirit.  It’s the only time that I shed tears when I left a country.  I want to go back with James, my boyfriend, we always talk about it.  There’s always some work that gets in the way though... 

Well, make sure you go back! We will!

I’ve been looking at some of your photos on your website and you look absolutely stunning!  How do you stay looking so good with such a good figure? Aw, thank you!  Hard, bloody work!  I do the gym, I-Pod.  I love running outside, but not when it’s freezing.  I’m active and I love it, so it’s not a challenge.  And healthy eating:  it’s so much easier when it’s a part of your lifestyle.  James owns a mixed martial arts gym and we are healthy together.  It’s definitely easier when your boyfriend supports you.  The only time it feels hard, is when it’s rubbish weather!

I see you now have your own cosmetic line, “K by Beverley Knight”.  Why did you choose cosmetics, in favour of perfume, handbags or clothing? Not remotely interested.  As much as I love shoes, handbags - they are for collection.  Perfume, definitely no!  Would you mind holding the line, I’m so sorry, there’s somebody at the door.................  Why couldn’t it have been something for me, instead of James’ supplements?  Oh, where was I?

Why did you choose a cosmetics line? I have to have things that I am passionate about.  It’s always been a fight and a struggle to find anything to work for darker skin.  Putting on my own make-up has always been a part of who I am.  When I was growing up, I was always the one who did make-up for my friends.  Most of the time, I do my own make-up for events, concerts etc.  The only time I have a make-up artist, is for red carpet events or photo shoots.

Do you have any plans to launch your line in Dubai? Yes.  I’m desperate.  There are so many women who would benefit.  It’s not exclusive for darker skin.  The generic stuff, like eye shadows, lipsticks, pencils, basically anything that’s not a foundation, anybody can use!  I am looking to launch in Dubai this year.  It’s my New Year‘s Resolution!

What are your general plans for the future? More promotion for my record.  Then the next record.  I like to keep busy and I am always thinking about the next project for me to do...

Beverley Knight
interviewed by Julie Joseph