Lists
10 Things you should know about Estelle
- Estelle Fanta Swaray is an English R&B singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer born 18 January 1980 in Hammersmith, London, England. Born of a Senegalese mother and a Grenadian father.
- She spent her childhood listening to her parent’s reggae records and her aunt’s soul collection
- Estelle got her break from “Deal Real” as her co-workers encouraged her to sing on-stage and her performances led to gigs.
- Her career got a jump-start in the early 2000’s when she happened to see Kanye West sitting in a restaurant in Los Angeles. Estelle approached Kanye, introduced herself and asked for an introduction to John Legend. She eventually got that introduction, and Legend eventually helped produce two songs on her debut album
- Estelle signed a record deal with V2 and Atlantic Records. After meeting John Legend,
- Estelle’s mother had a near death experience, which influenced Estelle’s choice for her first album title, The 18th Day.
- In 2004 she broke into the charts with “1980″ and “Free” and won a MOBO Award for Best Newcomer.
- In 2008, Estelle rose to fame with her collaboration with rapper Kanye West, titled “American Boy.
- Estelle’s main female musical influences are Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott. Her taste in music ranges from Kanye West, Nas, Jill Scott and Jay-Z.
- Estelle has received two Brit Award nominations, including one for Best British Female Artist.
