Jamelia's story has been anything but straightforward. She had a tough but happy upbringing, growing up in a crime-ridden area of Birmingham where for many the easy way out came through drugs or violence. But Jamelia chose a different path, and when she was signed up by a record company at just fifteen, a wonderful new opportunity was there for her.

Eventually, at nineteen, she released her first album, Drama, and the single 'Money' was a Top Five smash. Courageously, she then took a career break after having her first child, Teja. It wasn't until 2003 that she returned to record the album Thank You, which featured three Top Five singles and dealt with the positives she took out of her difficult relationship with the father of her daughter. With the birth of a second daughter, Tiani, she again took a break before returning with her third album, Walk With Me.

Jamelia has always been involved in many things away from music, from campaigning against gun crime and the fur trade, to promoting Oxfam and her own haircare range. An inspirational figure to many, her extraordinary story is one that shows there is always a positive solution to any problem and will bring hope to those who fear there may be none.