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Urban interviews El Manyera, one of our ‘new comers’ in the music industry and asks a few questions getting into the depths of what the real El Manyera is all about.
She pops her head through the door shyly giving a wide grin stretched from ear to ear, her louboutin heels aggressively clapping the surface of the floor boards; she walks across the room to shake my hand, a stern shake it was her nerves disappeared, she was ready to start!

Right, So let’s cut to the chase. Everyone’s dying to hear about the album you are yet to release, tell us about it!
I really shouldn’t be giving anything away, but since you asked nicely, fuck it! Basically, my new album is called ‘I Still Grow’ which will be released February 6th; I believe that’s next Monday? Erm, well I aint sure what day it is but yeah, 6th Feb. All the songs on the album are pretty much written by me but with a little help from friends and family. I’ve collaborated with Jessie J on one of the tracks featured on the album that funny enough I used to go Brits School with back in my younger years. I refer to the album as a ‘time line’. It reflects the life I have lived so far and what I expect to come out of it. It’s pretty much a summary of my life and the different aspects encountered within it.

Ok, so what would you consider being your favourite track on the album and why?
Well, making music and selling albums is the life I’ve chosen and worked hard for, so if I’m gonna do it, then I gotta do it well, ya get me? I just wanted to put my point across really. Erm, my favourite track on the album would be ‘Stronger’ because it explains the break up between me and my ex-boyfriend which was a very tough time for me. I just decided to write the song to get my feelings out and I found writing a song about it was the best way to express how I really felt; I thought that maybe it’s not just me going through the situation and that others can relate to the song. The song is designed to reinforce overcoming a tough situation that may break you and growing emotionally stronger as a person.

Interesting. Now, moving on, let’s get some insight into the real life of El Manyera.
Oh-no, go on... 

Tell us a little more about yourself, what your ambitions are, you as a ‘normal’ person, nights out, anything like that. What are you really like?
There’s really not much to tell. Ok maybe there is I’m not that boring. Erm, well to start off with, I’m very family orientated. I love spending time with my family and I always try to fly them out with me when I’m going certain places. I’ve got my first upcoming tour and I know I’m not gonna be able to fly them out with me. I’m gonna miss them so much. I’ve got a younger brother who loves music and wants to do what I do. He’s doesn’t sing but he’s very good at MC and rapping, he’s only 17 so he’s got way to go, but I’d like to get him out into the open world.  

You seem to have a tendency to drift off subject and talk about others rather than yourself! Come on tell us!
Ha-ha, bloody hell calm down! Stop drilling me. I’m not use to really talking about myself. I find it difficult.

Ok, let’s break it down. So you say you’re very family orientated. So when you’re not around your family, what do you do?
The usual thing any young woman would do.

What’s that?
Shopping, getting nails done, pampering, a few spa treatments and saunas here and there and of course partying and going to the club!

Going to the club aye?
Yeah well there’s nothing wrong with having a bit of fun is there? Before all this I use to go clubbing all the time, was probably more misbehaved but still. Being an artist can be very hard and sometimes you just need time to do something else and take your mind off things. It’s not often I get a chance to have a really good time with my friends, so doing all these things and going to the club is my way of spending time with my mates. I mean, surely people do realise that people such as myself have a social life, right? But don’t get me wrong when I’m out I can’t forget who I am and the fact I’m in the public eye, so I’ve always gotta make sure I don’t go and do something stupid, it only takes a few minutes for my actions to be all over the newspapers and bombarded by the press. I’m sure other artists can relate. But apart from that, I enjoy dancing and going fishing with my dad. That’s all I do really.

Fishing? I would have never thought it!
I’m full of surprises my love, Ha-ha.

Cool, I’ve been meaning to ask, what was it like for you as a child? Briefly.
Life was quite hard for me as a child. But there were good times also. I’m the eldest of three children, I have two younger brothers. We lived with my mum and my dad in a small flat in South East London. Apart from having hardly any space to breathe in such a small apartment, at that time life for me was great. It was fun, I was very ambitious, a very positive thinker and sang all the time!

Did people notice you had this huge talent to sing? Did anyone think you would make it this far?
Well yeah, everywhere I went I use to sing. I just loved it, and my family always had faith in me that my talent would take me far.
Name me three artists who have inspired you the most and why?
First on my list is Whitney Houston. She has an amazing voice and I’m sure despite her flaws she is an inspiration to many women. Next on my list is Michael Jackson! I Think as well as a good singer he is a fantastic entertainer. That is what I want to be, someone who really entertains their fans and brings something different to the stage, he really is the king of pop, but lastly someone more up my street and currently in the eye of the media, Beyonce! I think she is a great role model for many females out there, those of her own age and those who are much younger. I feel that Beyonce talks to her fans through her music and sends messages in which you’re able to interpret in your own way. I love her positivity and her energy, I think she is great!

Favourite colour?
Red. Very passionate colour

Favourite Food?
Spaghetti Bolognese!

The thing you’re scared of the most?
Spiders! Ergh.

One thing you want to achieve before you die?
There’s so many, it’s hard to only pick one!

Ha-ha! Well El, it’s been so nice having you in with us today. Hope you have a safe journey back and again, thanks for coming in!
Thanks for having me! Laters!