Q Speaking futuristic, what lessons of life would you like to pass onto your daughters?
“Us women need to learn to have a good old-fashioned laugh and learn to love and appreciate ourselves. Doing things that make you smile, make your soul smile – let your inside smile.”
[Laughing] I cannot wait for motherhood as that is go- ing to be another whole new exciting chapter but until then my nephews and nieces are my children and I take my role as Aunty Estelle very seriously. Although I am super fun there are certain things I don’t let them get away with because I do believe in discipline. But I teach my children now, and I will continue to teach my own children when that time comes, to always have respect, be decent, have grace and always do the right thing.
Q How many children would you like and what would you like first – boy or girl?
A football team… no I’m joking! My body cannot even remotely begin to think about birthing 11 children… could you imagine? I would like three to four children and I would definitely want a girl first so I can pass on some of my clothes and shoes because at the moment, I’m never giving them away.
Q What is your most treasured award to date? My Grammy because I won that aſter visualising the hell
out of it and saying year aſter year aſter making each album that I want it! Yes, I have received many awards and accolades for various things that I have achieved but my core is my music so my Grammy Award means the most to me.
Q Do you anticipate a Grammy for your new album? Oh, several at this point. Yes!
Q You always look so immaculate and well groomed. What is your beauty/make-up regime? Any tips?
Go with strong lips or strong eyes but never do both because you will look like a clown or a drag queen. If you are doing eyes keep your lips neutral and vice versa. Plus have fun with headscarves. Tere is nothing wrong with a headscarf. Create a turban, twist it to the side or wrap it really funky. All black women especially Africans – although I see all blacks as African – should learn how to master and perfect the beauty and the art of a headscarf because it is a part of our heritage.
Q Who would you most like to work with as an artist? It has always been a dream to do a duet or to work with
Youssou N’Dour and Pepe Kalle – although I know he is no longer alive – because I have grown up listening to their sweet melodies all my life and they have influenced me greatly. I would really like to also do something with D’banj because I really dig his swag. In regards to UK artists, I would like to see who is around in three to five years times before I start name dropping, however, I do like Tinie – I think he is incredible. I love Wretch 32 who I have worked with on the remix of ‘Break My Heart’ and I like Rosie Gabor, she is a great writer.
Q Tell me something that your fans may not know about you?
I cook, I cook, I cook! I cook everything and anything you can think of because I think cooking is fun. My favourite recipes to cook are all my traditional Senegalese food. I love making Yassa – chicken made with lots of onions and lemon. It is deli- cious! I’m not a take-out person; anytime I eat takeaway I feel sick. Give me home cooking anytime.
AUTUMN 2011 | NEW AFRICAN WOMAN | 13
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