Jamelia, the acclaimed singer and actress from Birmingham, has shared insights into her fortunate position of living comfortably off royalties from her music. The 45-year-old, known for her 2003 hit “Superstar,” revealed that income from her songwriting continues to provide a steady financial foundation, having recently received enough from a single advertisement in France to cover her rent for two years.
Originally from Handsworth and now residing in Dubai with her four daughters, Jamelia disclosed that she has the luxury of not needing to work unless she wishes. This financial independence enables her to take on only those projects she finds fulfilling. Her varied pursuits include appearing on television programmes such as “Strictly Come Dancing,” “Celebrity MasterChef,” and portraying Dr Sharon Bailey on “Hollyoaks.”
During an appearance on the podcast “My Mate Bought A Toaster,” Jamelia explained, “I love parenting my daughters but I also love working and I’m in the unique position where I don’t have to work if I don’t want to. Because I live off my royalties. So I only do what I want to do.”
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She attributed this success to her role as a songwriter, noting, “It’s more because I wrote my songs. So every time you play my song I think I get like 4p and I’m like ‘Oh thank you’.”
Jamelia elaborated on the financial benefits of songwriting royalties in the streaming era, mentioning various revenue streams including publishing rights, performance royalties from radio and retail plays, and sync licensing for film and advertising. “At the moment I’ve got a song on an advert in France,” she said. “It’s literally paid my rent for like two years, and I’m like ‘Oh amazing.'”
She also emphasised the importance of writing songs, recalling advice given to her at 17: “Every session in the studio, write your own songs.”
Since relocating her family to Dubai in 2024, Jamelia has adopted a frugal lifestyle, avoiding extravagant purchases and designer clothes. The family rents their home, a choice she finds more cost-effective than owning property. “This is going to be controversial, but I’d always say it’s my house,” she reflected. “I never should have bought a home. Now I rent, and we’re always advised not to rent, but to me I think it’s way more cost effective to rent your home. Like I’m about to move home at the moment. We were in one house and it was great but now we want a different vibe for our family.”