Since splashing onto the scene, aged 18, with breakthrough single ‘Money’, there’s been no looking back for R&B belle Jamelia.
Easily one of the UK’s most successful Black female acts, the Birmingham-bred star has wracked-up an impressive catalogue of hits since her 2000 debut, ‘Drama’.
Indeed, each of her 3 studio albums – the last of which was released in 2007 – have spurned singles that are etched in Britain’s Urban history book.
Hailed by many as the UK’s answer to Beyonce (if not for her talent, then the length and breadth of her success), the singer’s most notable streak was ushered in with her 2004 mainstream breakthrough ‘Thank You’. Certified double Platinum and housing her biggest hits to date, the project – in many regards – is what cemented the 31 year old as an all-round Pop force.
So, for these reasons and much more, we salute Jamelia as one the Best of British.
Peep more of her classic clips after the jump…
Jamelia is a great artist who definitely achieved great success that many women in her genre don’t get.
Jamelia was big in a time when UK urban music was at it’s worst state commercially. ‘Thank You’ and Natasha Bedingfield’s debut were the only urban albums doing anything in the charts by female artists.
I really hope she gets that 4th album out soon as I’m worried people are starting to forget about her!
I hope you’ll do a post on Beverley Knight as well Sam. She is in the forefront of UK urban music, queen of UK soul and often cited as an inspiration by UK singers!
wish she would come out with something new! ‘Life’ off the ‘Thank You’ album is my song!
She is an under-rated and overlooked talent who is sorely missed right now. She needs to get back in the booth and come back.
Comparing her Beyonce is b*******! The only real hit she had was “Superstar” and that didn’t really testify of solid vocal skills…
i remember how crazy i was with her around 2004ish i remember having her singles, and how excited i used to get just seeing her videos
WHen I lived in Italy I remember her being the BIZ!!!! I loved everything she put out-
I love Jameila, I hope her comeback will be strong! She’s one of the very few British acts that managed to pull off the r n’b/urban pop sound without looking too contrived and try-hard. And you picked some of her best songs indeed 😎
ahh I miss her