The soul and pop diva described by the American Billboard press as “the UK’s hottest female artiste” is in Bahrain for a concert before coming to Dubai for her much-anticipated performance.
Gabrielle, ‘the UK’s hottest female artiste’, on music and her Dubai concert
The soul and pop diva described by the American Billboard press as “the UK’s hottest female artiste” is in Bahrain for a concert before coming to Dubai for her much-anticipated performance. At a time when critics and fans alike had just about written the sultry singer off, her album Rise stormed the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.
Gabrielle will be performing in Dubai tomorrow at the Jumeirah Beach Club. Gulf News caught up with the award-winning singer to talk about one of pop history’s greatest comebacks, after having suffered personal problems a few years back.
Karim Bassatne: Are you enjoying yourself in Bahrain?
Gabrielle: I am loving it so far. This is my first trip to the Middle East and I am looking forward to Dubai after having heard so much about it. I am also enjoying the weather, it’s beautiful.
Are you not finding it a little hot?
Not at all. I am a Caribbean girl, my parents are Caribbean so I am used to the heat.
Would you have visited Dubai had it not been for the concert?
Absolutely, so many people keep telling me of all these wonderful places to visit in Dubai.
Do you find time to do a lot of charity work?
I hope to do a bit more. I am doing something for a hospital later this year in Sheffield, for children, because I feel as a mother I want to help children who are less fortunate.
Do you get to spend time with your son?
I try, and after July I will be taking some time off to write some material for my next album.
What can we expect from the next album?
A variety but let’s say there will also be a little country music in there.
What interests do you have?
I am interested in many things and different countries and cultures. I am also interested in just music itself – I’m really like this big old sponge soaking it all up.
What made you get into this particular career?
When I was young Michael Jackson and Diana Ross were a big influence. Then I got into the 1980s pop icons. I always wanted to sing but I never imagined I would be doing it all these years later.
Do you feel your music and lyrics have changed over the years, from Dreams to your latest album Rise?
Definitely. As I have grown up, my lyrics too have matured. You know, I have had many experiences and my music is very much about my life. We all go through different things and I have been through a lot, so that influences my lyrics.
Was the success of Rise surprising?
I was so surprised and pleased. I didn’t know it would be bigger than my own Dreams. So I was extremely thrilled with its success.
You have also remixed your music in the underground garage genre?
I listen to some of that stuff. I did some mixes that some of the producers had helped mix for me from my album. My manager is really into that stuff and he said – ‘Gabs, we have to do something here’ – and it was a good idea because it would hopefully appeal to the younger crowd. The surprising thing is that it worked.
I realise this is a common question, but why the eye patch?
I had fun with the eye patch. It was something of a necessity. I do have two eyes. But my eyelid is lazy and it looks like I am falling asleep on people during an interview. I haven’t worn it for years but people still ask about it so I don’t mind you asking at all.
You tour a lot. Do you enjoy it?
I love touring. It’s the one opportunity I get to travel. It’s a bonus in the music industry and my career affords me. I don’t get enough time to spend investigating what’s going on in all these countries. The only difference here is that I am doing only two concerts so I will have the chance to check out Bahrain and Dubai for the rest of the week.
Is it difficult to strike a balance between motherhood and a career?
It certainly would be if it was not for having such a fantastic mother who is with me in Bahrain and keeping my son company. So I can do pretty much what I want and leave my son in the hands of my wonderful mother with the knowledge that he is 100 per cent happy and cared for.