MY INSPIRATION: Jamilah

Newcastle’s rising RnB star Jamilah recently unveiled a new video for single SOS, a typically genre-bending track from the versatile songwriter. Here, she tell us about how Newcastle’s R&B scene has inspired her creativity.

The RnB scene in Newcastle is one I hold close to my heart and one I pray every day will thrive. I love my city and the support they’ve given me since starting my musical journey over a decade ago. 

I grew up listening to Toni Braxton, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson and Boys 2 Men, so I knew RnB music was always going to play a big part in my life. I didn’t start singing until I was 19; it was difficult in the beginning, as I felt that the music that had my heart wouldn’t be appreciated in the city I grew up in. I felt lost and that I needed to move to London in order to establish my sound. I did that after I graduated from university and spent two years in the big smoke. It was everything I could have dreamed of and more. An opportunity to sing what I love, work with artists I loved and network in a way I could never have imagined. But it wasn’t home! After I felt I no longer had to introduce myself at an event, I knew I could take the party back up North and it was the best decision I could have made. 

I was able to perform on some incredible stages, opening for my favourite artists! A sold out O2 in Newcastle. A room full of all my friends and family and setting the stage for American rapper Nelly. Nothing could have prepared me for that, but what a night it was. It was being home and being with my people. The room singing back to me. Ahhh I can’t even put it into words! Then bringing Scorcher up and us performing our track together to open for Tinie was another bucket list moment.

Music and Newcastle. I love them both so much! There’s not many RnB artists here, but it’s growing and there’s some real incredible talent here. I hope they get the opportunities I’ve had and then some. Talent is a gift and something we should all embrace. Being able to stand in front of a crowd with all eyes on you and make people feel?! You can’t put a price on that. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time, but from the bottom of my heart I want to thank every single venue, for every stage they let me stand on. Thank every single person who took me in, in their time and listened. You make me so happy! Thank you! 

RnB is more than just music to me. It’s a feeling, and I’m so thankful my city keeps me booked and belting! Without you, I’d feel like I couldn’t breathe, but you lot keep me going and have been doing so for over 10 years! We are a small town and it’s a small scene but it’s thriving and I’m so here for it! I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next 10!