The next chapter
R&B songstress Jamelia catches up with Cynthia Lawrence to talk about life after music, getting hitched and why she can’t stand the press.

What have you been up to since your break from music?
What haven’t I done?! I’ve been acting, presenting, modelling and, of course, continuing to be a mother. I’ve got a book coming out and have been working on the Toni & Guy hair-care range. They wanted a hair-care range that was specifically for black hair, and they did some research to find out what people are looking for. They wanted me involved in every step of the process, not just to be a face to promote the brand.

You’re also going to be a footballer’s wife! How are the wedding plans?
Yes, the wedding is in 2009, but with everything else that’s been happening, we haven’t really been proactive in that area. We really have to get on with it, otherwise we’ll be in trouble! I can’t wait – I’m always getting little ideas.

Did the press allegations of Darren’s affair affect your relationship?
When you have confidence in your relationship, it doesn’t really make much of an impact. Darren and I are not out to prove anything to anybody. We’re happy to be together, and nothing’s really changed in that respect. It is difficult, but things only get to you if you want them to. We’ve been able to get on with things, and it’s fine. I think it’s time that allows you to. When you get to know each other, you have a better quality of relationship.

Do you empathize with Cheryl Cole?
I don’t feel there’s a big correlation with my situation, but of course, as a woman, I just think it’s really awful. I have a real dislike of the press at the moment. Things like that make the front pages, but Amy Winehouse wins five Grammys, and it didn’t make any! We should be celebrating positive things rather than buying into negativity.

It’s Mothers Day this month. How has motherhood changed you?
I’ve always been someone who has set aside quality time for my children, and I’m just one of those people who absolutely love being a mother. I’m not one who believes that spending millions of pounds will make your children happier. We do things like cooking and just make up dances! My youngest daughter, Tiana, is two, and the eldest, Teja, is six. You can’t afford to miss anything. In their first years I had to be there for all of their milestones. Now for my eldest, it’s about parents’ evenings!

Do you worry more as a mum about gang crime?
There needs to be strong female and male role models for children. I think that’s the main problem for the children doing these crimes: the boys are more than likely not to have had a positive role model. I think that’s a huge part of the problem. It makes me more determined to make a positive contribution to society.

You recently said you believed in capital punishment…
I was just thinking aloud, saying that something needs to be done to deter criminals. Whether that be capital punishment, national service or something else that is a huge deterrent to stop crime. I think if there were huge deterrents, it would make a difference.

Do you miss the chart success?
I don’t miss the music, because I haven’t stopped doing it. I feel that every different element of my life is exciting and a challenge I’ve never done before. I’m actually doing a few music-production courses and I’m learning to play instruments, so I’ve been quite active. I’m cool with stepping outside of my comfort zone.