Jamelia has built a life in Dubai where most of her income comes from music royalties, allowing her to decline work she does not want and to focus on raising her four daughters. The British singer, best known for hits such as Superstar and Thank You, says income from songwriting, radio plays, performances and licensing continues to arrive more than two decades after the height of her chart success.
She signed her first record deal at 15 and, two years later, was urged to prioritize writing her own material. That decision has paid off: publishing royalties are triggered whenever her songs appear in films, advertisements or public venues, including a current French advertising campaign generating enough income to cover approximately two years of rent. “It was one of the best pieces of advice I was given,” she explained on the My Mate Bought a Toaster podcast. “Every session, be in the studio, write your own songs.”
The shift to streaming has altered royalty structures, yet ownership of publishing rights remains a steady income stream. The artist lives modestly, avoiding luxury purchases despite a successful career, which has stretched her financial runway even further. “I earn the money, but then I’m not really spending that much,” she added.
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Her royalties let her complete a year-long role in Hollyoaks before relocating to Dubai after her fourth daughter’s birth in 2022. She ultimately rejected the offer of another year on the programme, despite enjoying the role, because combining its demands with raising four daughters had become emotionally and physically exhausting. The emirate’s stability and family-friendly atmosphere were decisive factors. “It’s just such a peaceful place,” she said. “I don’t worry about them ever.”
She doesn’t need to retire; she simply works selectively. Income from decades-old songs funds her present lifestyle, proving how songwriting can outlast chart success.
She values privacy above fame.
