INTERIVEW: Mutya Buena

Mutya Buena
Photo by Owen James Vincent

We LOVE Mutya Buena. We’d go as far as to say she’s a cultural icon. She was part of one of the world’s biggest girlbands (the Sugababes, in case you somehow didn’t know), released a critically-acclaimed solo album and was partly responsible for what is in our opinion one of the best tracks ever made – Song 4 Mutya! By Groove Armada, she did the vocals. If you haven’t heard it, give it a listen – preferably while cruising down Old Kent Road in a banged up red BMW with the top down.

Now, after a hiatus from performing and a few weddings in the Caribbean North West London’s hoop-earringed pop sensation is BACK – she’s just confirmed that she’s recording new music with Sugababes band members Keisha and Siobhan.

Plus for one night only, she’s doing a special solo set at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern. She’s stomping into Vauxhall on Thursday 15th August for an intimate evening of all her’s and the Sugababes’ biggest hits.

We spoke to her about that, and more. See below.

Hey Mutya! Obviously we need to chat about the Sugababes. That must have been a crazy time. What was your favourite moment?

Being signed! And being able to travel the world and meet loads of people. Travelling while being able to sing as well was just a blessing.

You’re a London girl. What do you think of how the city’s changed over the years?

It’s become more open. More open-minded about what’s going on in our streets and in our culture. Whether you’re of a different race, or transgender, or gay or lesbian. It’s such a big community as well, there’s always something going on, which is always good. Always somewhere to go – loads of art, loads of festivals. So I think it’s changed, but not for the worst. I think it’s more open, which I love.

What would be your first move as London Mayor?

Oh god, you don’t want me to tell you. I would make everything as equal as possible. Change the system for a better way of living – make everything affordable. Stricter rules on knife crime. Loads of stuff! Oh my god. What WOULDN’T I do. I’d ask the shops if I could shop in there for free.

We absolutely LOVE Song 4 Mutya. Can you tell us a bit about its creation and conception?

I recorded that song with Groove Armada, so I went to their house…it was amazing. Funnily enough, everyone thought Song 4 Mutya was about the new girl who took over my place in the Sugababes – it really wasn’t. During that time I was going through a mad breakup. So I was talking about the girl not being me, and she could never be me. It was quite funny how everybody took it in their own way.

You must have been to some great parties. What’s the best you’ve ever been to?

Do you know what, I just love a little bit of garage. Garage raves, garage festivals. I wouldn’t say there’s one best one, because I’ve been to so many amazing parties in the past. Anywhere I can chill and feel free and relax. One of them. Like Garage Nation.

And the worst?

I went to a really bad sweaty party once. It was disgusting, I don’t even want to get into it. Just full of SWEATY people.

What do you think about the music industry these days?

I think we’re doing such an amazing thing at the moment. English hip-hop is better than ever. We have such talented people in our country. And I’m just proud to be from here to be honest. It’s great.

Finally – you’re performing at the RVT next month! Tell us about that.

It’s somewhere I’ve performed before and I’m very, very excited. It’s just nice to have people singing along with your music and it’s always a great vibe.

Mutya Buena: Live At The RVT is on Thursday 15th August, 7pm. For more info and tickets head to vauxhalltavern.com

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