In this episode of We Need To Talk, BRIT-nominated, MOBO award-winning singer Jamelia sits down for a raw and unfiltered conversation, sharing the untold chapters of her life - from rising to fame as a teenage Superstar to the dark realities of the music industry. She opens up about being groomed at 16, surviving an abusive relationship that inspired Thank You, and the relentless scrutiny of the tabloids, who hacked her phone for a decade.
Despite it all, Jamelia has never been happier. She reflects on fame, family, and resilience - how she’s navigated betrayal, heartbreak, and an industry that tried to break her, only to come out stronger. She shares how motherhood saved her, why she’s finally at peace, and the power of owning her story.
This is Jamelia as you've never heard her before - honest, fearless, and thriving.
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(00:00) Intro
(01:54) Growing Up in Handsworth
(03:01) Riots in '81
(04:27) How Would Jamelia Define Rastafarianism?
(10:26) Jamelia Father in Prison
(13:38) How Did Jamelia Father's Consistency Shape Jamelia Relationships?
(18:55) What Would Jamelia Say to Jamelia Father Now?
(22:28) Self-Work and Self-Reflection
(24:58) Forgiving Jamelia Parents
(27:12) Jamelia Mother
(29:32) How Did Jamelia Decide Music Was the Career?
(33:00) Making More Money Than Jamelia Mother
(35:32) Music Career Takes Off
(35:56) Jamelia Brothers Groomed Onto the Streets
(37:33) How Do Jamelia Define Grooming?
(41:42) Did Jamelia Blame Yourself for Jamelia Brother's Conviction?
(44:49) A Mother to Nieces and Nephews
(49:42) Career Regrets, Phone Hacking, and Press Harassment
(56:49) Sexualisation in the Industry
(1:04:10) Code-Switching
(1:07:46) Eating at Nelson Mandela's House
(1:09:28) Adobe ExpressAd
(1:10:25) Tinder Ad
(1:11:37) Thank You Song
(1:19:27) The Next Relationships
(1:33:00) Second Husband
(01:43:27) Our Children Are Angels
(01:49:44) Getting Back Up After Being Knocked Down
(01:54:36) New Album
(01:56:04) TV Career
(02:08:10) How Amazing Life Is Now
(02:15:15) Self-Actualisation (With a Partner)
(02:18:13) Breaking the Generational Curses
(02:21:20) Where Is Your Dream Partner?
(02:25:02) Flipping Society's Script
(02:31:49) Most Memorable Conversation
(02:35:11) Paul's Takeaways
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