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Jamelia
Jamelia
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Jamelia Niela Davis (born 11 January 1981) is a British singer, actress and television personality. Her three studio albums each peaked inside the Top 40 and they spawned eight top-10 singles.[5] In addition, Jamelia has won four MOBO Awards, a Q Award and has received nine BRIT Award nominations.[6]

Key Information

Jamelia's professional music career began in 1999, when she released her debut single, "So High", followed by a more successful single, "I Do". She then released her debut full-length studio album, Drama, in June 2000. Jamelia went on to release further successful singles, including "Superstar" which charted at number three on the UK Singles Chart and number one in Australia, where it became platinum certified. She went on to release the albums Thank You (2003) and Walk with Me (2006), before leaving her label Parlophone.

Jamelia appeared as a judge on Move Like Michael Jackson in 2009.[7] Her filmography includes her own television documentaries, such as Jamelia: Whose Hair Is It Anyway (2008), her own edition of the popular Channel 4 show, The House That Made Me and, in 2011, BBC Three documentary Jamelia: Shame About Single Mums. In 2010, Jamelia signed a new record deal with All Around the World Productions.

Jamelia was a panellist on the ITV magazine show Loose Women from 2013 to 2016.

Early life

[edit]

Jamelia was born in Handsworth, Birmingham, to single mother Paulette Davis. Both her parents are Jamaican; her father is from Spanish Town and her mother is from Westmoreland.[8] She grew up in nearby Hockley[9] and attended a local primary school, Brookfields Primary School and then later attended the CTC Kingshurst Academy, formerly known as the City Technology College.[10]

Career

[edit]

1999–2001: Early career and Drama

[edit]

Jamelia was signed to Capitol Records at 15 after record producers heard recordings of her self-written a cappella songs that she had made on a karaoke machine.[11] In late 1999, Jamelia recorded the single "So High", a collaboration with fellow R&B vocalist Rosita Lynch. The single failed to chart in both the UK and mainland Europe, and did not appear on any of Jamelia's subsequent albums. Following the poor sales of the single, Jamelia left Capitol Records, but was quickly signed up with record company Parlophone, a branch of EMI.

Taking some time to record her debut studio album, Drama (2000), Jamelia returned to the music scene in 1999 with the single "I Do", which became her first commercially successful single in the UK and mainland Europe, making the UK Top 40 and holding Top 20 positions in France and Sweden. The single's mediocre chart success, however, led to the delay of the release of Money. Jamelia's third single, "Money" (featuring dancehall artist Beenie Man and co-written by UK The X Factor finalist Daniel De Bourg), was released in February 2000. The single was the singer's breakthrough in the UK, peaking at number five and spending nine weeks in the UK Top 75; it later won a MOBO Award for Best Video in 2000. Despite the success of Money, Drama did not make a major chart impression in the UK, where it peaked at number 39. The third single from the album, "Call Me", reached number 11, and the fourth single, "Boy Next Door", peaked at number 42. Recognition for the singer's early success came in late 2000 and 2001 at the BRIT Awards. Jamelia was nominated for Best British Newcomer, Best British Video and Best British Female.[6]

2003–2005: Thank You and mainstream breakthrough

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Jamelia recorded her second studio album, Thank You, in 2002 and early 2003 following the birth of her daughter Teja in 2001. The first single lifted from Thank You was the R&B-influenced "Bout", on which she collaborated with American rap star Rah Digga; it debuted at number 37 in the UK. The second single, the much poppier "Superstar", became Jamelia's highest peaking at the time when it peaked at number three, and earned the spot of the 26th best-selling of 2003 in the UK. It remains Jamelia's only single to receive a BPI certification.[12] Parent album Thank You, released shortly after "Superstar", was widely expected to replicate the single's success, but entered the UK chart at number 65. Subsequently, a number of record producers worked with Jamelia on a re-release of the album that featured new artwork and track listing, including two new songs: her collaboration with Coldplay's Chris Martin and DJ K Staveley, "See It in a Boy's Eyes", and "DJ".

Promoting the re-release, title track "Thank You" was issued shortly before. Known to be Jamelia's favourite of her releases, the song became her highest-charting single to date in the UK, where it peaked at number two and received the 2004 MOBO Award for Best Single and a BRIT Award nomination in the same category. The fourth single "See it in a Boy's Eyes" was released in mid-2004 and became Jamelia's third consecutive top five hit, winning a MOBO Award for Best Video and a Q Award for Best Single. The success of Thank You resulted in five BRIT Award nominations for Jamelia in 2004 and 2005 for Best British Female, Best British Single, Best Female Solo Act, and Best British Urban Act.[6] The album became the 36th best-selling of 2004[13] and was certified double platinum by the BPI in recognition of 600,000 copies shipped to retailers.[12] Jamelia also contributed a cover version of Kool and the Gang's "Straight Ahead" for their remix/covers album The Hits: Reloaded.

In mid-2004, Jamelia collaborated with Italian singer Tiziano Ferro on "Universal Prayer" for the 2004 Olympic Games soundtrack. It became her first Number 1 single in Italy and Spain and was added to non-UK editions of Thank You. In late 2004, Jamelia was asked to contribute to the Band Aid 20 charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?", on which she sang with Will Young. The single topped the UK Singles Chart and was certified platinum. Around the same time, Jamelia released the lead single from the soundtrack of the film Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, a cover of Sam Brown's 1988 single "Stop!"; it was released as double A-side in the UK with the aforementioned "DJ", and peaked at number nine.

On 9 November 2006, Jamelia joined Feeder on stage for the encore of Feeder's WAR Child gig at 'The Coronet' in London. They performed a cover of REM's "Everybody Hurts" as well as "Beware of the Dog".

2005–2010: Walk with Me and departure from Parlophone

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Jamelia in 2007.

Following the birth of her second daughter, Tiani, in 2005, Jamelia began recording her third album, Walk with Me. Its lead single, "Something About You", was released in late 2006 and described as "less R&B, more experimental", with Popjustice hailing it as "an incredible pop single".[14] The single became Jamelia's first to enter the charts solely on download sales alone, debuting at number 28, rising to number nine almost a month later following the physical release. Walk with Me was released shortly after and drew critical praise, with many critics claiming that it marked a significant turn in the singer's career as she moved from R&B to pop/rock.

The album did not emulate the chart success of Thank You, managing to début only at number 20 on the UK Albums Chart. The second single, "Beware of the Dog", features a sample from Depeche Mode's 1989 song "Personal Jesus" and was heavily praised as being Jamelia's best single to date, with BBC Radio 1's "Chart Blog" stating that it "might just be one of the best pop songs ever made" and "the best pop song of the year", receiving a five-star rating.[15] The single became the second consecutive Top 10 effort from the singer's third album, reaching number 10 in the UK. The final single to be released from the album was "No More", which samples The Stranglers' 1981 single "Golden Brown". It made the A-list on BBC Radio 2, but failed to garner much sales success, debuting at number 43.

Walk with Me became Jamelia's second album to receive a BPI certification. After four months of release, it sold more than 100,000 copies and was awarded a Gold disk.[12] However, despite producing two Top 10 singles and garnering mostly positive reviews, Walk With Me had disappointing sales compared to her second album, Thank You, which went on to become certified double platinum.

In an interview with Digital Spy in December 2009, Jamelia said that she wasn't surprised that the album did not sell well. "I probably wasn't in the right frame of mind with Walk With Me... I love all the songs individually, but I don't feel it flows very well as an album, which makes it harder to relate to. It sold well over 100,000 copies – but I want double-platinum every time!"[16]

In late 2007, the singer released a singles collection titled Superstar - The Hits. The compilation album features 11 of her 14 releases, omitting the 1999 single "So High", Drama singles "I Do" and "Boy Next Door" and the non-UK 2004 release "Universal Prayer". The collection, which only managed to début at number 55 on the UK Album Charts, was criticised for its hastiness, brevity and lack of new tracks or artwork.[17] This proved to be her final album for Parlophone, which she left weeks after the collection's release amid rumours that the sales performance of Walk With Me had been a factor in the decision of the artist and label to part ways, and to release the singles collection.[18]

In an interview with entertainment website Digital Spy in December 2009, Jamelia commented on being a rumoured replacement for Keisha Buchanan, in the girl-group Sugababes and spoke about work with her ongoing album, which was going "absolutely amazing". She stated that she was working with producers who have previously worked with Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, and that the album returned her sound to 2004's Thank You. She also vowed to come back with a "really exciting" album.[16] On 26 July 2010, Jamelia signed a record deal with an unknown label live on video streaming website Ustream.tv.[19] Ultimately, nothing was released

2013–2020: Presenting and return to acting

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Jamelia in 2019

In 2013 and 2014, Jamelia appeared on two series of The Voice of Ireland as a coach.[20]

In February 2013, Jamelia appeared in an episode of the BBC drama series Death in Paradise, portraying a singer.[21] In 2014, Jamelia modelled a new swimwear range for Boux Avenue. In August 2013, Jamelia was part of a house band on every episode of the BBC One panel show I Love My Country. On 27 November 2013, Jamelia joined the panel of the ITV chat show Loose Women. As of 16 August 2016, she had made 162 appearances. However, she was axed from the show following new contracts being drawn up on 17 August 2016, and did not return for series 21.[22]

In May 2014, she appeared in a TV advertisement for Boux Avenue and sang a cover version of "I Only Want to Be with You", with the chorus changed to "I only want to be with Boux".[23] In 2015, Jamelia took part in Bear Grylls: Mission Survive on ITV.[24] In 2015, Jamelia participated on thirteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing.[25] She was partnered with professional dancer Tristan MacManus. The pair survived four dance-offs, but lost their fifth dance off in week 9, being voted out by 3 out of 4 judges against Peter Andre and Janette Manrara. In 2016, she returned to acting to appear in an episode of the BBC soap opera Doctors as Helena Wales. Following her appearance, she stated that she wants to return to Doctors.[21]

2021-present Hollyoaks, Just Act Normal and new music

[edit]

In 2023, Jamelia joined the cast of Hollyoaks, as Sharon Bailey.[26] She had previously appeared as herself in 2003, and as Bailey for one episode in 2021.[27][28] In 2024, she appeared on the thirteenth series of the E4 series Celebs Go Dating.[29] In April 2025, BBC comedy drama Just Act Normal aired; Jamelia portrays Jackie.[30][31]

In 2025 Jamelia confirmed working on a new album[32]. Citing family ecouragment, as a reason to return to the studio, Jamelia says her new music will reflect a more "mature perspective" and that she intends to bring “wisdom and life experience” to her new music[33]. In October 2025, Jamelia performed a live acoustic performance at AURA Skypool in Dubai where she debuted two unreleased tracks "Flowers" and "Pieces" from her upcoming album[34].

Other projects

[edit]

In spring 2004, Jamelia was signed by the agency ICM. A week later she was signed as the face and legs of Pretty Polly in a high-profile advertising campaign and shortly afterwards was featured in a poster campaign for Reebok. Since pursuing work in modelling, Jamelia has also endorsed Listerine Softmint Sensation, Jaguar Cars and BMW, was the brand ambassador for the maternity wear line Seraphine, has appeared in print advertising for Oxfam and on the front cover of magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle and Harpers & Queen.

In January 2007, Jamelia launched a new fragrance as part of a campaign to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS. Proceeds from the sale of every bottle of The Body Shop's Rougeberry were donated to MTV's Staying Alive Foundation. On 4 March 2007, Jamelia appeared on an episode of Top Gear, where Richard Hammond drove her to Earl's Court Exhibition Centre for a Brit Awards show in his homemade stretch limousine. On 27 May 2007, Jamelia had signed a £100,000 contract to launch a new range of products for Boots. On 31 July 2007, Jamelia, Erin O'Connor and Helena Christensen, had teamed up with hairdressing/hair product company Toni & Guy to promote Model.Me – a hair product created for women with ethnic hair. Jamelia said, "I think it's about time that there was a haircare range specifically designed for ethnic hair available on every high street."

On 18 September 2007, Jamelia co-hosted the MOBO Awards with Shaggy and on 20 September, she was on the catwalk in Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief event at the Natural History Museum in London. Jamelia appeared on ITV's Saturday Night Divas to mark the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She shared the stage with Jennifer Lopez, Girls Aloud, Celine Dion and Alicia Keys, amongst others and performed a cover version of Outkast's hit single Hey Ya!. On 1 December 2007, Jamelia was invited to perform on stage for Nelson Mandela's World Aids Day concert. She performed the hit singles "Something About You", "See It in a Boy's Eyes" and "Superstar". On 19 December 2007, she played Cinderella in Channel 4's The Paul O'Grady Show's Christmas Pantomime.

In January 2008, Jamelia signed a book publishing deal with Orion. Her autobiography, Stronger has yet to be published. In February 2008, Jamelia announced in a podcast on her personal website that she had "completed her first official acting role".[35] It was also mentioned that she had landed a TV presenting job. In July 2008 she appeared in a documentary about the international Hair extensions trade Jamelia: Whose Hair is it Anyway? for BBC Three travelling to India and Russia with Tatiana Karelina and guest presented a week of episodes of Big Brother's Big Mouth for E4.

On 7 September 2008, Jamelia guest presented an episode of Something for the Weekend with Tim Lovejoy. A more recent project is The Really Good School Dinner. Jamelia is supporting the initiative which will see children and young people in England pledging to have a school meal and make a donation to provide some of the world's poorest children with a nutritious meal.[36]

Jamelia starred in an episode of Gordon Ramsay's The F Word, where she and Gordon took part in a cook off competition. She was a guest judge for BBC's Let's Dance for Comic Relief, and she has appeared on the Disney channel show Under Cover Coach, in which she coached a girl called Amy in singing. Jamelia presents The National Lottery some Wednesday evenings, which she has been doing since April 2008. Jamelia featured in a Channel 4 documentary series, produced by Nutopia, in 2010, called The House That Made Me, which took her back to her childhood home, and reintroduced her to the people she had known in her youth.

Jamelia has walked the catwalk every year since 2007 for her UK model counterpart, Naomi Campbell, and her Fashion for Relief show. Jamelia is also active in working with ActionAid, Princes Trust and the Food Aid branch of the UN, the World Food programme which has seen her visit Kenya, Uganda and India. In 2008, Jamelia earned the role of appearing alongside Helena Christensen and Erin O'Conor, fronting her own ethnic haircare range 'Model Me', in conjunction with 'Toni and Guy', and was stocked nationwide in Boots stores. 2009 saw Jamelia take on various TV roles including authoring her own documentary for BBC Three on ethical hair extensions, which saw her travel to Russia and India. Plus she was one of the judges on BBC Three's Move Like Michael Jackson. Jamelia has met Nelson Mandela and performed for him for both his 46664 concert in Johannesburg and his 90th birthday celebrations in Hyde Park.[37] In 2012, she took part in the Preston Passion to mark Preston's 2012 Guild. The Preston Passion was a retelling of the Easter story and involved singing, dancing and three dramas, where she sang a cover version of "You Got the Love". She has been a frequent guest on the satirical music panel show Never Mind the Buzzcocks and was a celebrity contestant on Vernon Kay's Gameshow Marathon.

Personal life

[edit]
Jamelia taking a selfie with then Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn at a 2019 general election campaign rally in Birmingham. Jamelia endorsed Labour in the 2019 general election

Jamelia revealed that she grew up without her father, due to the fact he was often in and out of prison, and he later rejected her invitation to her wedding.[38]

Jamelia has four daughters. Her first was born in 2001, from a relationship with music manager Terry Wallen, who Jamelia claims was abusive and inspired her song "Thank You".[38][39] In August 2007, Jamelia split from boyfriend Darren Byfield; the couple have a daughter (born 21 October 2005).[40] They were reconciled a couple of months later, and in October 2007 announced their engagement.[41] On 15 June 2008, it was reported the couple had married on the previous day in West Sussex. On 3 November 2009, it was announced that they were filing for divorce.[42] In August 2022, Jamelia announced she was expecting her fourth child.[43]

In March 2024, Jamelia decided to move with her family from Birmingham to Dubai. Among the reasons she listed the desire to live a more balanced life and focusing on her children[44] and opening a new chapter and exploring new opportunities[45]. On a podcast with Kubi Springer, Jamelia mentioned she wanted to change many things in her life and that “I just knew that where I was, the environment in which I was existing, I just knew it’s not going to happen there[46] adding that "life is a lot more simpler now"[46].

In 2018, Jamelia blamed TV projects being "taken away" from her on the coverage of her stepbrother, Tafarwa Beckford, who was convicted of a gang-related murder.[47]

In November 2019, Jamelia endorsed the Labour Party in the 2019 UK general election.[48]

Discography

[edit]
Studio albums

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
2000–2009 Never Mind the Buzzcocks Herself - Panellist 5 episodes
2003 Hollyoaks Herself Episode: "#1.1044"
2007 Gameshow Marathon Herself - Contestant Series 2, 6 episodes
2008 Jamelia: Whose Hair Is It Anyway? Herself - Presenter TV film documentary
2008–2013 8 Out of 10 Cats Herself - Panellist 8 episodes
2009 Would I Lie to You? Episode: "#3.3"
Move Like Michael Jackson Herself - Judge 4 episodes (as Jamelia Davis)
Let's Dance for Sport Relief Episode: "#1.2"
2011 Jamelia: Shame About Single Mums Herself - Presenter[49] TV film documentary
2012 The Diamond Heist Cherry Valentine Film (Original title: Magic Boys)[7]
Crime Stories Alice Dixon Episode: "#1.17" (as Jamelia Davis)
Celebrity Chase Herself - Contestant Series 2, Episode 7: "Text Santa Special"
2013 Big Star's Little Star Episode: "#1.1"
Death in Paradise Aimee Fredericks Series 2, Episode 5: "Death Onboard"
I Love My Country Herself - House band singer 8 episodes
2013–2014 The Voice of Ireland Herself - Coach / Judge Series 2 & 3
2013–2016 Loose Women Herself - Regular panellist Series 18–20
2014 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars Herself - Contestant Episode: "#2.7"[50]
2015 All Star Family Fortunes Episode: "Sam Bailey vs. Jamelia"
Strictly Come Dancing Series 13, 21 episodes[51]
Bear Grylls: Mission Survive Herself - Participant 6 episodes[52]
2016 Doctors Helena Wales Episode: "Waste of Shame"
The Diary Detective Inspective Anisa Powell Short film
2018 Pointless Celebrities Herself - Contestant Series 11, Episode: "Christmas Special"
2020 Richard Osman's House of Games Series 3, 5 episodes
2021, 2023–2024 Hollyoaks Sharon Bailey Series regular, 47 episodes
2022 Little Darlings Kate Williams Mini-series, 4 episodes
On Tour: Little Darlings Mini-series, 2 episodes: "Birthday" and "Lucky Charm"
Little Darlings: Songs Mini-series, 2 episodes: "Little Darlings" and "Just a Little"
The Hit List Herself - Contestant Series 5, Episode 9: "Celebrity Special" with Lemar
2023 Celebrity Masterchef Series 18, 6 episodes
2024 Drama Queens Herself Upcoming series[53]
2024 Celebs Go Dating Herself Cast member; series 13[29]
2025 Just Act Normal Fake Jackie Upcoming [3]
Guest appearances

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Institution Award
Won
2000 MOBO Awards Best Video – "Money"
2004 TMF Awards (Belgium) Meest Belovend
2004 Q Awards Best Single – "See It in a Boy's Eyes"
2004 MOBO Awards Best British Female
2004 MOBO Awards Best Single – "Thank You"
2004 MOBO Awards Best Video – "See It in a Boy's Eyes"
2004 Q Awards Best Single – "See It in a Boy's Eyes"
2005 Urban Music Awards Best R&B Act
2007 Eska Awards Best Foreign Singer
2007 Urban Music Awards Best R&B Act
Nominated
2001 Brit Awards Best British Video – "Money"
2001 Brit Awards Best British Female
2004 Brit Awards Best British Female
2004 Brit Awards Best British Single – "Superstar"
2004 Mercury Music Prize Thank You
2004 Smash Hits Poll Winners Party Best R&B Act[58]
2004 MTV Europe Music Awards Best New Act[59]
2004 MTV Europe Music Awards Best UK & Ireland Act
2005 Brit Awards Best British Female
2005 Brit Awards Best British Urban Act
2005 Brit Awards Best British Single – "Thank You"
2005 Ivor Novello Awards Most Performed Work - "Thank You"[60]
2007 Brit Awards Best British Female
2005 NRJ Music Awards International New Artist of the Year
2007 Popjustice £20 Music Prize "Beware of the Dog"
2007 MOBO Awards Best British Female

Tours

[edit]
  • 2004 Thank You Tour

Jamelia has also been the opening act for artists such as Destiny's Child, Justin Timberlake and Usher as well as her own sold-out tour.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jamelia Niela Davis (born 11 January 1981) is a British , actress, and of Jamaican descent, raised in the Handsworth area of Birmingham, . She rose to prominence in the early 2000s as an R&B artist, signing with a at age 15 and releasing her debut album Thank You in 2003, which achieved platinum status in the through hits like "" and the chart-topping "Thank You." Her second album, (2006), continued her commercial success with top-10 singles, establishing her as one of Britain's leading black female entertainers of the era, with seven UK top-10 singles overall. Jamelia received multiple accolades, including three MOBO Awards in 2004 for Best Single ("Thank You"), Best Video ("See It in a Boy's Eyes"), and Act of the Year (shared), as well as the Q Award for Best Single. Beyond music, she has appeared in films such as Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) and served as a presenter on shows like , from which she departed amid backlash over her criticism of plus-size modeling as promoting unhealthy body images—a stance she has maintained despite professional fallout. Other notable incidents include a 2016 claim of racial abuse by a police officer during a confrontation and her resistance to industry pressures for hypersexualized presentation early in her career.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Jamelia Niela Davis was born on 16 January 1981 in Handsworth, a deprived inner-city area of Birmingham, , known for its history of social unrest including riots in 1981, 1985, and 1991. She was raised primarily by her single mother, Paulette Davis, in humble circumstances amid a large . Her parents separated early, with her father largely absent from her life due to repeated incarcerations throughout her childhood. Jamelia's family background reflects mixed and African heritage, with her mother of Jamaican descent and varying reports on her father's origins citing either Jamaican or Zimbabwean roots. She grew up alongside stepbrothers in an environment influenced by local gang activity and , which affected her siblings; for instance, one stepbrother, Tesrod Beckford, was fatally stabbed at age 15 when Jamelia was 13, and another, Tafarwa Beckford, was later convicted of in 2018 and sentenced to for a 2015 shooting. Jamelia has spoken of her brothers being groomed into street life from their mid-teens, contrasting with her own path. Despite the challenges of her surroundings, Jamelia has described her upbringing as positive, emphasizing strong morals, values, and familial support rather than material wealth, stating it provided a "lovely childhood" with fun, friends, and a "great big family." Her mother's resilience as a single parent in a tough neighborhood shaped her early perspective, fostering independence amid community pressures.

Musical career

Early recordings and debut album (1999–2002)

Jamelia's professional recording career commenced in 1999 with the release of her debut single "So High" on 3 May, a collaboration with vocalist Rosita Lynch that failed to register on the UK Singles Chart. Following a label transition to Records, she issued "I Do" as her first commercial single under the imprint, which debuted on the UK Singles Chart dated 31 July 1999 and peaked at number 36 after two weeks. The lead promotional single from her debut album, "Money" featuring Jamaican artist , was released on 21 February 2000 and achieved greater commercial traction, entering the UK Singles Chart at number 13 before climbing to a peak of number 5 and spending 11 weeks in the top 75. This was followed by "Call Me" on 5 June 2000, which debuted at number 16 and rose to number 11 over seven weeks on the chart. Drama, Jamelia's debut studio , was released by on 26 June 2000, comprising 13 tracks primarily in R&B and garage styles, with Jamelia credited as co-writer on every song. The entered the at number 82 upon release but ultimately peaked at number 39, reflecting modest sales of approximately 40,000 copies in its initial run, while reaching number 12 on the UK R&B Albums Chart. Despite the singles' relative underperformance compared to her later work, Drama established her songwriting presence and laid foundational elements of her pop-R&B sound, produced in collaboration with figures like C Swing.

Breakthrough and commercial peak (2003–2005)

Jamelia's second studio album, Thank You, marked her commercial breakthrough, peaking at number 4 on the and achieving significant sales driven by a series of hit singles. The album's lead single "Bout", featuring , achieved modest chart performance, but its follow-up ""—a reworking of Danish singer Christine Milton's earlier track—propelled her to prominence, entering the UK Singles Chart at number 8 before climbing to a peak of number 3 and spending 20 weeks in the Top 40. Released in September 2003, "" showcased Jamelia's blend of R&B, pop, and urban influences, contributing to the album's momentum upon its launch later that month. The title track "Thank You", an autobiographical reflection on escaping an abusive relationship, further solidified her success, debuting at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and topping the Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart. In 2004, a reissue of Thank You incorporated new material, including "See It in a Boy's Eyes", co-written with Coldplay's Chris Martin, which peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart after its July release. These tracks, emphasizing themes of empowerment and resilience, resonated widely, with "Superstar" extending her reach internationally by topping charts in Australia and New Zealand. The period's commercial peak was underscored by industry recognition, including Jamelia winning three in 2004 for Best UK Act, Best UK Single (""), and Best Video ("Thank You"), positioning her as a leading figure in British urban music. This acclaim reflected the album's role in elevating her from niche R&B artist to mainstream pop contender, with consecutive Top 5 singles establishing a formula of catchy hooks and personal storytelling.

Later albums and label transition (2005–2010)

Following the birth of her second daughter, Tiani, in 2005, Jamelia commenced work on her third studio album, Walk with Me. Released on 25 September 2006 by Parlophone Records, the album incorporated elements of R&B, pop, and other genres across its 12 tracks. Lead singles included "Something About You" (released 11 September 2006), "Do Me Right", "Beware of the Dog" (4 December 2006), and "No More" (19 March 2007). Walk with Me entered the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 20 and spending five weeks in the top 100. In April 2007, Jamelia ended her nearly decade-long association with , citing a desire for new creative directions amid shifting industry dynamics. Despite the split, issued her first greatest hits compilation, Superstar: The Hits, on 24 September 2007, featuring seven Top 10 singles from her prior albums alongside newer tracks like "Call Me". A second collection, The Collection, followed in July 2009, aggregating select recordings from her catalog. By mid-2010, Jamelia secured a new three-album contract with All Around The World under Universal Music, signing the deal live via to signal her intent to resume original material production. This transition marked a shift from major-label stability to a with a label known for urban and dance acts, reflecting her evolving career amid commercial challenges post-Walk with Me.

Hiatus from music (2011–2020)

Following the modest performance of her 2010 single "I Do", released under after a brief return to the label, Jamelia ceased producing and issuing new music through the end of the decade. This period aligned with her earlier departure from in 2007, prompted by underwhelming sales of her third album Walk with Me and frustrations over contractual and promotional obligations. Jamelia attributed her extended break in part to the demands of motherhood, having already given birth to daughters Teja in 2001 and Tiani in 2005, with a third daughter, True, arriving in 2018. In a 2011 Guardian , she emphasized the societal stigma and personal strains of single parenthood, noting how her early at 19 had initially raised fears of career-ending repercussions, though it did not prevent hits like "". She produced no albums or singles during this span, redirecting efforts toward family stability amid past abusive relationships and industry betrayals later detailed in 2025 reflections. Occasional live appearances sustained her visibility without new material; for instance, she performed her 2004 hit "Stop" on Ukraine's in January 2013. By mid-decade, commercial disinterest from labels, compounded by her pivot to non-music media, solidified the hiatus, as subsequent singles failed to regain momentum post-2010.

Recent developments and comeback plans (2021–present)

In April 2025, Jamelia revealed plans for a musical comeback after nearly two decades without new original material, stating she was "absolutely" returning to the studio. The decision was prompted by encouragement from her eldest daughter, Teja, aged 23, who urged her to resume creating music. By September 2025, Jamelia reported that her new album was nearly complete, with final listening sessions underway and outreach for potential guest features. Preparations included rehearsals with a band comprising members from the , , , and America, which she described as unifying through music. Live performances marked her return, including a set at Mighty Hoopla in on August 26, 2025, featuring her hit "." She is scheduled to headline at Dubai's Aura Skypool on October 23, 2025, celebrating 25 years in music, with previews of tracks from the forthcoming album. No new studio releases occurred between and early 2025, aligning with her prior emphasis on television and acting pursuits.

Media and acting career

Television presenting

Jamelia has presented several television documentaries and served as a judge on talent shows, primarily on . In 2008, she fronted Jamelia: Whose Hair Is It Anyway?, a investigative programme in which she examined the global human extension trade, travelling from salons to sourcing regions in and to highlight ethical concerns including exploitation of donors. The documentary drew attention to the often opaque supply chains and conditions faced by hair sellers, particularly women in impoverished areas who sacrifice their for minimal compensation. In 2009, Jamelia joined the judging panel for 's Move Like Michael Jackson, a talent competition hosted by that sought contestants replicating 's dance style, with guest appearances by and choreographers like Lavelle Smith Jnr. She expressed enthusiasm for the role due to her admiration for Jackson's artistry, though she initially had reservations about her suitability as a judge given her background in music rather than dance expertise. Her presenting continued in 2011 with Jamelia: Shame about Single Mums on , where, drawing from her own experiences as a single mother, she explored societal stigma against single parenthood through historical and contemporary interviews, arguing for greater respect and support for such families rather than shame. The programme featured personal narratives and archival stories to contextualize persistent judgments, emphasizing economic and cultural factors over moral failings. These works positioned Jamelia as an advocate using her platform for social issues, though her presenting roles remained sporadic alongside her music and acting pursuits.

Acting roles

Jamelia debuted in acting with a guest role as Aimee Fredericks, a singer who collapses onstage during a cruise performance, in the 2013 episode "Murder Onboard" of the BBC mystery series Death in Paradise (series 2, episode 5). In 2016, she appeared as Helena Wales, a manipulative woman who engages in sexual encounters with businessmen to extort money from them, in the BBC daytime soap Doctors episode "Waste of Shame" (series 18, episode 107). Jamelia joined the soap as Sharon Bailey, initially for a guest stint in September 2021, before returning as a series regular from 21 March 2023 until her departure in April 2024. The character, a family-oriented figure navigating personal challenges, marked her most extended television acting commitment to date. In 2025, Jamelia stars in the comedy series Just Act Normal, a Birmingham-set production announced earlier that year.

Personal life

Relationships and marriages

Jamelia was in a relationship with music manager Terry Wallen from 1999 to 2001, with whom she shares her eldest daughter, Teja, born in 2001. She began a relationship with professional footballer Darren Byfield prior to 2005, and the couple welcomed their daughter Tiani on 21 October 2005. The pair separated in August 2007 but reconciled shortly thereafter, leading to their marriage in 2008. Their marriage lasted 17 months before they announced their divorce on 3 November 2009, stating that no third party was involved. Jamelia entered her second marriage around 2017 with an unnamed professional footballer, whose identity she has kept private. The couple had two daughters together: True, born circa 2017, and Jream, born in early 2023. Their relationship ended in 2022 when her husband left during her pregnancy with Jream, after approximately 13 years together including the marriage. Jamelia has described the split as leaving her to raise the children alone, and she confirmed being single as of 2024 while participating in dating shows.

Motherhood and family dynamics

Jamelia has four daughters: Teja, born in 2001 from her early relationship with music manager Terry Wallen; Tiani, born in 2006 from her first marriage to Darren Burrows; True, born in 2018; and Jream, born in October 2022. She became a mother at age 19 with Teja's birth, followed by Tiani at 25, True at 37, and Jream at 41, describing motherhood as her "favourite responsibility and role" and her "greatest blessing," despite the challenges of spaced-out pregnancies and raising them amid her career. Jamelia has detailed the "incredibly traumatic" labor with Jream, during which her older daughters Teja and Tiani flipped a to decide who would serve as her birthing partner, highlighting the internal family support in the absence of external aid. As a single mother, Jamelia has emphasized the difficulties of raising her daughters alone without paternal support, particularly after her most recent partner's departure, leading her to relocate the family to in March 2024 for improved opportunities and a fresh start, describing their home as "very happy" despite the strains. She has advocated for respect toward single mothers, drawing from her experiences of being their primary caregiver through career highs and personal hardships, including escaping abusive situations while prioritizing her children's stability. Motherhood profoundly influenced Jamelia's professional choices, as she rejected industry pressures for hypersexualized performances after witnessing her four-year-old daughter mimicking provocative dance moves, opting instead to model positive influences for her girls and crediting the role with providing purpose and emotional rescue during tough periods. The family maintains a tight-knit dynamic, with Jamelia openly discussing the "not easy" realities of four children solo, yet viewing it as a stabilizing force that has fostered resilience and closeness among them.

Relocation and life changes

In March 2024, Jamelia relocated from the to in the , taking her four daughters with her and describing the decision as the most significant of her life. The move followed her 2022 separation from her unnamed partner, who departed shortly after she discovered she was four months pregnant with their daughter, leaving her to raise all four children as a single mother without familial or financial support in the UK. Jamelia cited the need for a supportive community, practical assistance in daily life, and a safer environment for herself and her daughters as primary motivations, contrasting this with the isolation and lack of help she experienced in the UK. In Dubai, she reported finding greater ease in balancing motherhood with personal well-being, including access to resources that alleviated the strains of solo parenting, and expressed feeling empowered as a woman in the region's family-oriented setting. The relocation marked a broader shift toward what Jamelia termed a "soft life," emphasizing self-worth, reduced stress, and intentional family priorities over her prior high-pressure career demands. She has since minimized contact with her ex-partner, deeming him "irrelevant" to her current stability, and focused on fostering independence and emotional healing for her children amid the transition. By early 2025, Jamelia affirmed the move's positive impact, noting improved and openness to future opportunities without plans to return to the permanently.

Public image and controversies

Resistance to industry sexualization

In the mid-2000s, Jamelia began resisting the hypersexualized image promoted by her and the broader R&B industry, which often pigeonholed Black female artists into provocative personas. Initially, at age 22–23, she complied with subtle pressures, appearing in short skirts and performing sensual routines on programs like , which drew 15 million viewers per episode. However, after witnessing her then-4-year-old daughter mimicking the explicit dance moves from her 2005 music videos, Jamelia confronted her team, declaring she would no longer contribute to the sexual influence on young girls. This shift was deepened by her experiences in the U.S. music scene, where she was explicitly advised that success required sexual favors, such as sleeping with industry executives—a path she firmly rejected, crediting her ability to say no as a key factor in maintaining her integrity. Motherhood, particularly her role as parent to daughters Teja (born 2001), Tiani (born 2006), True (born 2018), and Jream (born 2023), reinforced her commitment to and authenticity over exploitation, influencing a stylistic evolution away from revealing outfits toward more covered, empowering presentations. Jamelia has since critiqued the industry's systemic expectations for in R&B to embody for marketability, arguing in 2025 reflections that such demands undermined artistic agency and role-model potential. Her resistance contributed to a hiatus from music starting in 2011, prioritizing personal values over commercial conformity, though she noted in a 2017 interview that this authenticity sustained her relevance without compromising her principles.

Disclosures on abuse and mental health

In , Jamelia disclosed details of an abusive relationship from her teenage years with her then-25-year-old music manager, Terry Wallen, when she was 16, describing repeated physical beatings and her eventual nighttime escape from the situation. She has characterized a subsequent relationship as involving three years of both physical and , which she described as "absolutely the worst time of my life," including an incident where her partner struck her while she was their child. Jamelia credited a 2016 EastEnders domestic storyline with providing her the resolve to end that relationship, noting its role in highlighting patterns she recognized in her own experience. Jamelia has emphasized the enduring psychological impact of such , stating in 2014 that while victims may reach terms with it, "the scars will always remain" and she would "never get over" the trauma. In a February 2025 , she further discussed signs of domestic and recovery challenges, drawing from her experiences in the music industry and personal relationships. Regarding , Jamelia revealed in 2016 that she had battled depression throughout her life but received a formal eight years prior, following her divorce from footballer , during which she felt "incapable of being" and unable to function daily. She opted against antidepressants, instead addressing it through therapy and lifestyle changes, and shared the disclosure with her daughter, who responded with tears. In April 2024, Jamelia cited the need to "heal" from her marriage's end as a primary reason for leaving her role, prioritizing mental recovery over professional commitments. She has linked these struggles to broader life factors, including motherhood demands and past relational trauma, while advocating resilience and in public discussions.

Discography

Studio albums

Jamelia's debut studio album, , was released in June 2000 by Records. Featuring R&B-influenced tracks produced in collaboration with various songwriters, it included singles such as "I Do" and "Money". The album peaked at number 39 on the , spending two weeks in the listing. Her second studio album, Thank You, arrived on 29 September 2003, also via . It marked a shift toward pop and dance elements, propelled by the hit single "", which preceded the album's release. Thank You achieved her highest commercial peak, reaching number 4 on the and remaining on the chart for 53 weeks. The record was certified double platinum by the (BPI) for shipments exceeding 600,000 units in the UK. The third and most recent studio album, Walk with Me, was issued on 25 2006 by . Incorporating urban pop and electronic production, it led with the single "Something About You" and addressed themes of personal growth following Jamelia's experiences with motherhood. It debuted and peaked at number 20 on the , with seven weeks on the listing.
AlbumRelease dateUK peak positionWeeks on chartLabel
DramaJune 2000392Parlophone
Thank You29 2003453
Walk with Me25 2006207

Singles

Jamelia's debut single, "So High", was released in 1999 but failed to enter the UK Singles Chart. Her early releases under included "I Do", which peaked at number 36 on the UK Singles Chart with 2 weeks in the top 100. From her debut album (2000), follow-up singles "Money" and "Call Me" achieved greater commercial success, reaching numbers 5 and 11 respectively, each spending over 7 weeks on the chart. "Boy Next Door" underperformed at number 42 with only 2 weeks charted. The lead single from her second album Thank You (2003), "Bout" featuring Rah Digga, peaked at number 37 with 3 weeks on the chart, but "Superstar"—released on 15 September 2003—marked her breakthrough, entering at number 8 and climbing to number 3 while accumulating 20 weeks. "Thank You" followed as her highest-peaking release at number 2, with 15 weeks charted. "See It in a Boy's Eyes" reached number 5 over 11 weeks. Subsequent singles from Thank You and its reissues, including double A-side "DJ/Stop" at number 9 (14 weeks) and "Something About You" at number 9 (12 weeks), maintained top-10 presence. From her re-release and later work, "" peaked at number 10 with 9 weeks, while "No More" in 2007 reached only number 43 with 2 weeks. Overall, seven of her singles entered the top 10, reflecting peak popularity in the early .
SinglePeak UK PositionWeeks on Chart
I Do362
Money511
Call Me117
Boy Next Door422
Bout (feat. )373
320
Thank You215
See It in a Boy's Eyes511
DJ/Stop914
Something About You912
109
No More432
Table data sourced from UK Singles Chart performance.

Filmography

Film roles

Jamelia made her feature film acting debut in the 2012 British-Hungarian comedy Magic Boys (released internationally as Diamond Heist), where she portrayed , a character involved in the plot surrounding misfit male strippers entangled with gangsters and a diamond heist. The low-budget film, directed by Robert Koltai and Éva Gárdos, featured a cast including and , and received mixed reviews for its humor but was noted for Jamelia's supporting performance amid the ensemble. In 2022, she appeared in the family comedy-drama : The Movie, an adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson's novel, playing Kate, the single mother of 11-year-old protagonist Destiny, who discovers her father is a rock star. The film, produced for and emphasizing themes of family and aspiration, co-starred as the absent father Danny Kilman and was praised for its heartfelt storytelling suitable for young audiences. Jamelia's role highlighted her transition into more maternal, grounded characters following her music career.

Television appearances

Jamelia served as a judge on the 2009 BBC Three talent competition Move Like Michael Jackson, which sought dancers emulating 's style, alongside panelists including and Mark Summers. The series aired in December 2009 and featured auditions and performances hosted by . In 2015, she participated as a contestant in the thirteenth series of BBC's , paired with professional dancer . Her performances included a cha-cha-cha to "Don't Cha" by in the opening week and a samba to "" by Erasure in week 7; she survived multiple dance-offs before elimination in week 9. Jamelia has appeared in acting roles on British television, including as guest character Helena Wales in the BBC soap Doctors. She portrayed Aimee Fredericks in an episode of . From March 2023 to April 2024, she played the recurring role of Sharon Bailey in Channel 4's , following an initial guest stint as the character in September 2021. She has made guest appearances on various panel and chat shows, including multiple episodes of ITV's in 2016, Channel 4's across seasons 8, 9, and 11, and BBC's Top Gear in 2007.

Awards and recognition

Music awards

Jamelia has won four MOBO Awards, recognizing achievements in music of black origin. In 2000, she received the Best Video award for "Money", featuring , marking her first major industry accolade following the single's UK Top 5 peak. In 2004, she secured three MOBO Awards: Best UK Act of the Year, Best Single for "Thank You", and Best Video for "See It in a Boy's Eyes", establishing a record for the most wins in a single year at the time. She also won the Q Award for Best Single in 2004 for "See It in a Boy's Eyes", as voted by professionals and fans. Despite nine BRIT Award nominations across categories such as British Female Solo Artist and British Single, Jamelia did not secure any wins.
YearAwardCategoryWork
2000Best Video"Money"
2004Best UK Act
2004Best Single"Thank You"
2004Best Video"See It in a Boy's Eyes"
2004Q AwardsBest Single"See It in a Boy's Eyes"

Other honors

In 2018, Jamelia received a star on Birmingham's Walk of Stars, recognizing her achievements as a native of the city in the entertainment industry. The honor, presented at Symphony Hall on September 6, marked her as the 40th inductee and celebrated her role in elevating Birmingham's cultural profile through her career.

Live performances

Tours and concerts

Jamelia embarked on her first major headline tour, the Thank You Live Tour, in 2004 to promote her second studio album Thank You. The tour featured 14 documented concerts that year, including support slots and headline shows across the . It commenced with performances such as the opening night on 11 June 2004, where she opened with "Thank You", and included appearances at events like at on 20 June. The tour's closing concert took place on 15 June 2004 at in London, showcasing hits from Thank You alongside earlier tracks. This performance was recorded and released as the DVD Jamelia: Thank You - Live later that year, capturing her setlist including "", "See It in a Boy's Eyes", and "Stop". Prior to headlining, Jamelia had opened for major acts such as , , and Usher, contributing to sold-out shows during the tour period. Following 2004, Jamelia did not undertake additional extensive headline tours but maintained live activity through festivals, events, and one-off concerts. In 2006, she performed four times, aligning with promotion for . Recent appearances include Mighty Hoopla in , , on 31 May 2025, in 2025, and a set at King's Cross Station on 11 June 2025 featuring "Superstar". No full tours are scheduled as of October 2025.

References

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