Sugababes: Mutya Buena out, Amelle Berrabah in
Dec 22, 2005 4:22:10 GMT -5
Post by Deuce on Dec 22, 2005 4:22:10 GMT -5
For the second time in their career, a founding Sugababe member is leaving the group. This is so common when it comes to UK girl groups. I don't think there's one single UK girl group that hasn't had a line-up change, from Bananarama to Atomic Kitten, from The Honeyz to the Spice Girls.
21 December 2005
Sugababes Official Announcement
There has been intense speculation all week about the future of the Sugababes and we can confirm today that Mutya has officially left the band. Mutya’s decision is based purely on personal reasons and she will continue to remain the best of friends with both Keisha and Heidi. The Sugababes will of course continue with Keisha and Heidi who will be joined by a new member, to be announced in the next 24 hours.
Here’s what the ‘babes say in their own words:
Mutya: “I’ve enjoyed an unbelievable career so far and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved with Sugababes over the years. My decision to leave the band at this point is based purely on my personal reasons. It was very difficult but definitely not a snap decision. I signed up for being in Sugababes at the age of 13 and have spent my entire life devoted to making and performing music. I think there comes a time when everyone wants to re-evaluate their life and what they want out of it. For me that time has now come. For a long time I have been discussing with Heidi and Keisha our plans for the future and it got to the point where I honestly felt that the commitment I would need to make to Sugababes over the next 12 months was something that would become compromised by me. Clearly that wouldn’t have been fair to Heidi or Keisha or most of all to our fans. Certainly, my departure from the band would never mean the end of Sugababes. We were all in total agreement that a new member would enable the band to continue and I’m delighted that the new girl is taking my place. She’s so lucky to be getting one of the best jobs in the world! And certainly my leaving the band doesn’t mean I won’t be seeing Heidi or Keisha any more. We’ll still be seeing each other and I’ll definitely be taking Tah to all of their gigs.”
Keisha: “When the decision was made, we had a band meeting to discuss the future. I think for our fans, the one thing Sugababes has come to stand for above all else is our consistent and unique style of music. Obviously, it goes without saying that we will all miss Mutya, but we also knew there was still a place for bringing in somebody new who could help us carry on taking the Sugababes brand of music forward.”
Heidi: “Our management introduced us to someone they had been working with who undoubtedly had an amazing voice, who looked great and, just as important, was already a big fan of the band! When we all met her, we instantly knew she was the only person to share the rest of the journey with us. Next year, we’ve got so much to look forward to with our own UK Tour in March and April, and we can’t wait to be doing Take That’s sold-out stadium tour as their Special Guests next summer. Mutya’s still going to be missed but it’s great that we’re parting company still as best friends.”
Fans, although sad about the departure of one of the founder members of the Sugababes, should be exited about the next phase in Europe’s No.1 girl group. They have crafted back-to-back triple-platinum albums, sold one million singles in the UK, had four number ones , earned a Brit Award, a Q Award, an MTV Award, a Smash Hits Award and an Elle Style Award.
This is a new and exciting chapter in the Sugababes colourful history and future. The babes wish Mutya the very best for her future and also want thank their fans for their continued support and look forward to introducing their new line up and kicking off 2006 in a massive way.
Sugababe Announcemnet - new member announced.
As reported yesterday on www.sugababes.com, the Sugababes, today announce that their line up has now changed with immediate effect. Following a week of intense media speculation, management have confirmed that Mutya Buena has departed the band and Keisha Buchanan and Heidi Range will continue as the Sugababes, being joined by another member to complete the trio.
The lucky new Sugababe is revealed as being Amelle Berrabah, a 21 year old from Hampshire. Amelle, who is of Moroccan descent, commented: “For years I’ve dreamt of breaking into the music business but never did I dream of waking up one day to be the 3rd Sugababe! They’re the biggest girl group in the country and absolutely the only band I would ever thought about joining. When their manager approached me with the offer, I was in such a state of shock that I couldn’t even answer him! Like millions of girls my age, I’ve grown up with Sugababes’ music as a soundtrack to my life and I’ve been a fan of theirs for years. I still can’t believe my luck!”
The band’s manager, Mark Hargreaves, assured fans that Keisha, Mutya and Heidi remain the best of friends. Mutya took the decision because she wanted a break from the heavy media commitments involved in promoting their No.1 triple-platinum-selling new album Taller In More Ways, and their new single Ugly, which is currently enjoying its 3rd week inside the Top 10 UK Singles Chart, and the follow up to their European smash No.1 hit Push The Button.
Mutya commented: “I’ve enjoyed an unbelievable career so far and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved with Sugababes over the years. My decision to leave the band at this point is based purely on my personal reasons. It was very difficult but definitely not a snap decision. I signed up for being in Sugababes at the age of 13 and have spent my entire life devoted to making and performing music. I think there comes a time when everyone wants to re-evaluate their life and what they want out of it. For me that time has now come. For a long time I have been discussing with Heidi and Keisha our plans for the future and it got to the point where I honestly felt that the commitment I would need to make to Sugababes over the next 12 months was something that would become compromised by me. Clearly that wouldn’t have been fair to Heidi or Keisha or most of all to our fans. Certainly, my departure from the band would never mean the end of Sugababes. We were all in total agreement that a new member would enable the band to continue and I’m delighted that Amelle is taking my place. She’s so lucky to be getting one of the best jobs in the world! And certainly my leaving the band doesn’t mean I won’t be seeing Heidi or Keisha any more. We’ll still be seeing each other and I’ll definitely be taking Tah to all of their gigs.”
Keisha said, “When the decision was made, we had a band meeting to discuss the future. I think for our fans, the one thing Sugababes has come to stand for above all else is our consistent and unique style of music. Obviously, it goes without saying that we will all miss Mutya, but we also knew there was still a place for bringing in somebody new who could help us carry on taking the Sugababes brand of music forward. When we met Amelle for the first time, it all just felt so right. We can’t wait for next year to show her off to our fans.”
Heidi said, “Our management introduced us to Amelle as someone they knew with an amazing voice, who looked great and, just as important, was already a big fan of the band! When we all met her, we instantly knew she was the only person to share the rest of the journey with us. The fans will certainly not be disappointed when they hear Amelle sing. Next year, we’ve got so much to look forward to and although I know Mutya’s still going to be missed, it is so good that we’re parting company still as best friends.”
Welcome Amelle! Here’s to 2006 – the year of the new Sugababes.
Colourful past of pop's Sugababes
Pop trio Sugababes have sold one million singles in the UK
Mutya Buena has left pop trio Sugababes after seven years, four hit albums and a raft of awards.
The second founder member to quit in four years, Buena leaves at the height of the group's popularity.
But the fact that a replacement singer has already been found for their forthcoming UK tour confirms Sugababes' status as one of the UK's most efficient and successful pop acts.
Childhood friends Buena and Keisha Buchanan formed Sugababes in 1998 with third member Siobhan Donaghy, who they met at a garage party in London when they were all 13.
Wide appeal
Within a couple of years they were signed to London Records and teamed up with producer Cameron McVey, who had worked with girl group All Saints and his partner Neneh Cherry.
Their largely self-written debut album One Touch mixed commercial garage with hip-hop and dance, impressing both pop fans and the music press with their first hit single Overload in September 2000.
Follow-up singles New Year, Run For Cover and Soul Sound failed to match its success, however, and Sugababes were dropped by London Records in 2001.
In 2000: Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy
That year also saw the departure of Donaghy during a Japanese tour, when she was diagnosed with clinical depression amid reports of in-fighting between the Sugababes members.
Donaghy went on to release solo album Revolution In Me in 2003, produced by McVey, and performing at the Glastonbury Festival.
Sugababes could have been classed as one-hit wonders had they not replaced Donaghy with Heidi Range - a former member of pop act Atomic Kitten before they became famous.
Now signed to Universal Island, the revamped Sugababes scored their first number one hit with Freak Like Me in May 2002.
Produced by acclaimed electro artist Richard X, the single was a cover version of his own "mash-up" single which combined Adina Howard's 1995 track Freak Like Me with Tubeway Army's Are Friends Electric?
The pop act's career was revived with the hit Freak Like Me in 2002
Subsequently named the best single of the year by Q magazine, Freak Like Me was followed by another chart-topper, Round Round.
Hit second album Angels With Dirty Faces spawned a further two hits - Stronger and Shape - and in 2003 Sugababes were named best dance act at the prestigious Brit awards.
Later that year the pop act's UK success would continue with the album Three, spawning number one Hole In The Head and hits Too Lost in You, In The Middle and Caught In A Moment.
First child
Before recording their next album the trio joined acts such as Coldplay's Chris Martin, Dido and Robbie Williams on a new chart-topping version of Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas?
Buena also gave birth to her first child, daughter Tahila, in March 2005.
Sugababes returned to the chart in October with Push the Button, which spent three weeks at number one and came complete with a raunchy video.
Sugababes are due to support Take That on their reunion tour
It enabled Sugababes to top both the singles and album chart simultaneously, as fourth album Taller in More Ways entered at number one.
"We've been trying to find out what we are for a long time - we're not rock, we're not R&B, we're not pop," said Buchanan on its release.
"I think we've definitely found ourselves with this album."
However, while promoting latest hit Ugly, Buena talked about how her daughter had become her main concern.
"I think it's made me calmer, to the point where I don't go out that much," the 20-year-old said. "Your mind just really concentrates on one thing."
Having helped Sugababes sell one million singles in the UK, Buena leaves as they prepare to embark on a full UK tour.
They also plan to honour their commitment to support Take That on next summer's sell-out arena tour, exposing Sugababes to an even wider audience.
"I think for our fans, the one thing Sugababes has come to stand for above all else is our consistent and unique style of music," said Buchanan.
"Obviously, it goes without saying that we will all miss Mutya, but we also knew there was still a place for bringing in somebody new who could help us carry on taking the Sugababes brand of music forward."
21 December 2005
Sugababes Official Announcement
There has been intense speculation all week about the future of the Sugababes and we can confirm today that Mutya has officially left the band. Mutya’s decision is based purely on personal reasons and she will continue to remain the best of friends with both Keisha and Heidi. The Sugababes will of course continue with Keisha and Heidi who will be joined by a new member, to be announced in the next 24 hours.
Here’s what the ‘babes say in their own words:
Mutya: “I’ve enjoyed an unbelievable career so far and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved with Sugababes over the years. My decision to leave the band at this point is based purely on my personal reasons. It was very difficult but definitely not a snap decision. I signed up for being in Sugababes at the age of 13 and have spent my entire life devoted to making and performing music. I think there comes a time when everyone wants to re-evaluate their life and what they want out of it. For me that time has now come. For a long time I have been discussing with Heidi and Keisha our plans for the future and it got to the point where I honestly felt that the commitment I would need to make to Sugababes over the next 12 months was something that would become compromised by me. Clearly that wouldn’t have been fair to Heidi or Keisha or most of all to our fans. Certainly, my departure from the band would never mean the end of Sugababes. We were all in total agreement that a new member would enable the band to continue and I’m delighted that the new girl is taking my place. She’s so lucky to be getting one of the best jobs in the world! And certainly my leaving the band doesn’t mean I won’t be seeing Heidi or Keisha any more. We’ll still be seeing each other and I’ll definitely be taking Tah to all of their gigs.”
Keisha: “When the decision was made, we had a band meeting to discuss the future. I think for our fans, the one thing Sugababes has come to stand for above all else is our consistent and unique style of music. Obviously, it goes without saying that we will all miss Mutya, but we also knew there was still a place for bringing in somebody new who could help us carry on taking the Sugababes brand of music forward.”
Heidi: “Our management introduced us to someone they had been working with who undoubtedly had an amazing voice, who looked great and, just as important, was already a big fan of the band! When we all met her, we instantly knew she was the only person to share the rest of the journey with us. Next year, we’ve got so much to look forward to with our own UK Tour in March and April, and we can’t wait to be doing Take That’s sold-out stadium tour as their Special Guests next summer. Mutya’s still going to be missed but it’s great that we’re parting company still as best friends.”
Fans, although sad about the departure of one of the founder members of the Sugababes, should be exited about the next phase in Europe’s No.1 girl group. They have crafted back-to-back triple-platinum albums, sold one million singles in the UK, had four number ones , earned a Brit Award, a Q Award, an MTV Award, a Smash Hits Award and an Elle Style Award.
This is a new and exciting chapter in the Sugababes colourful history and future. The babes wish Mutya the very best for her future and also want thank their fans for their continued support and look forward to introducing their new line up and kicking off 2006 in a massive way.
Sugababe Announcemnet - new member announced.
As reported yesterday on www.sugababes.com, the Sugababes, today announce that their line up has now changed with immediate effect. Following a week of intense media speculation, management have confirmed that Mutya Buena has departed the band and Keisha Buchanan and Heidi Range will continue as the Sugababes, being joined by another member to complete the trio.
The lucky new Sugababe is revealed as being Amelle Berrabah, a 21 year old from Hampshire. Amelle, who is of Moroccan descent, commented: “For years I’ve dreamt of breaking into the music business but never did I dream of waking up one day to be the 3rd Sugababe! They’re the biggest girl group in the country and absolutely the only band I would ever thought about joining. When their manager approached me with the offer, I was in such a state of shock that I couldn’t even answer him! Like millions of girls my age, I’ve grown up with Sugababes’ music as a soundtrack to my life and I’ve been a fan of theirs for years. I still can’t believe my luck!”
The band’s manager, Mark Hargreaves, assured fans that Keisha, Mutya and Heidi remain the best of friends. Mutya took the decision because she wanted a break from the heavy media commitments involved in promoting their No.1 triple-platinum-selling new album Taller In More Ways, and their new single Ugly, which is currently enjoying its 3rd week inside the Top 10 UK Singles Chart, and the follow up to their European smash No.1 hit Push The Button.
Mutya commented: “I’ve enjoyed an unbelievable career so far and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved with Sugababes over the years. My decision to leave the band at this point is based purely on my personal reasons. It was very difficult but definitely not a snap decision. I signed up for being in Sugababes at the age of 13 and have spent my entire life devoted to making and performing music. I think there comes a time when everyone wants to re-evaluate their life and what they want out of it. For me that time has now come. For a long time I have been discussing with Heidi and Keisha our plans for the future and it got to the point where I honestly felt that the commitment I would need to make to Sugababes over the next 12 months was something that would become compromised by me. Clearly that wouldn’t have been fair to Heidi or Keisha or most of all to our fans. Certainly, my departure from the band would never mean the end of Sugababes. We were all in total agreement that a new member would enable the band to continue and I’m delighted that Amelle is taking my place. She’s so lucky to be getting one of the best jobs in the world! And certainly my leaving the band doesn’t mean I won’t be seeing Heidi or Keisha any more. We’ll still be seeing each other and I’ll definitely be taking Tah to all of their gigs.”
Keisha said, “When the decision was made, we had a band meeting to discuss the future. I think for our fans, the one thing Sugababes has come to stand for above all else is our consistent and unique style of music. Obviously, it goes without saying that we will all miss Mutya, but we also knew there was still a place for bringing in somebody new who could help us carry on taking the Sugababes brand of music forward. When we met Amelle for the first time, it all just felt so right. We can’t wait for next year to show her off to our fans.”
Heidi said, “Our management introduced us to Amelle as someone they knew with an amazing voice, who looked great and, just as important, was already a big fan of the band! When we all met her, we instantly knew she was the only person to share the rest of the journey with us. The fans will certainly not be disappointed when they hear Amelle sing. Next year, we’ve got so much to look forward to and although I know Mutya’s still going to be missed, it is so good that we’re parting company still as best friends.”
Welcome Amelle! Here’s to 2006 – the year of the new Sugababes.
Colourful past of pop's Sugababes
Pop trio Sugababes have sold one million singles in the UK
Mutya Buena has left pop trio Sugababes after seven years, four hit albums and a raft of awards.
The second founder member to quit in four years, Buena leaves at the height of the group's popularity.
But the fact that a replacement singer has already been found for their forthcoming UK tour confirms Sugababes' status as one of the UK's most efficient and successful pop acts.
Childhood friends Buena and Keisha Buchanan formed Sugababes in 1998 with third member Siobhan Donaghy, who they met at a garage party in London when they were all 13.
Wide appeal
Within a couple of years they were signed to London Records and teamed up with producer Cameron McVey, who had worked with girl group All Saints and his partner Neneh Cherry.
Their largely self-written debut album One Touch mixed commercial garage with hip-hop and dance, impressing both pop fans and the music press with their first hit single Overload in September 2000.
Follow-up singles New Year, Run For Cover and Soul Sound failed to match its success, however, and Sugababes were dropped by London Records in 2001.
In 2000: Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy
That year also saw the departure of Donaghy during a Japanese tour, when she was diagnosed with clinical depression amid reports of in-fighting between the Sugababes members.
Donaghy went on to release solo album Revolution In Me in 2003, produced by McVey, and performing at the Glastonbury Festival.
Sugababes could have been classed as one-hit wonders had they not replaced Donaghy with Heidi Range - a former member of pop act Atomic Kitten before they became famous.
Now signed to Universal Island, the revamped Sugababes scored their first number one hit with Freak Like Me in May 2002.
Produced by acclaimed electro artist Richard X, the single was a cover version of his own "mash-up" single which combined Adina Howard's 1995 track Freak Like Me with Tubeway Army's Are Friends Electric?
The pop act's career was revived with the hit Freak Like Me in 2002
Subsequently named the best single of the year by Q magazine, Freak Like Me was followed by another chart-topper, Round Round.
Hit second album Angels With Dirty Faces spawned a further two hits - Stronger and Shape - and in 2003 Sugababes were named best dance act at the prestigious Brit awards.
Later that year the pop act's UK success would continue with the album Three, spawning number one Hole In The Head and hits Too Lost in You, In The Middle and Caught In A Moment.
First child
Before recording their next album the trio joined acts such as Coldplay's Chris Martin, Dido and Robbie Williams on a new chart-topping version of Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas?
Buena also gave birth to her first child, daughter Tahila, in March 2005.
Sugababes returned to the chart in October with Push the Button, which spent three weeks at number one and came complete with a raunchy video.
Sugababes are due to support Take That on their reunion tour
It enabled Sugababes to top both the singles and album chart simultaneously, as fourth album Taller in More Ways entered at number one.
"We've been trying to find out what we are for a long time - we're not rock, we're not R&B, we're not pop," said Buchanan on its release.
"I think we've definitely found ourselves with this album."
However, while promoting latest hit Ugly, Buena talked about how her daughter had become her main concern.
"I think it's made me calmer, to the point where I don't go out that much," the 20-year-old said. "Your mind just really concentrates on one thing."
Having helped Sugababes sell one million singles in the UK, Buena leaves as they prepare to embark on a full UK tour.
They also plan to honour their commitment to support Take That on next summer's sell-out arena tour, exposing Sugababes to an even wider audience.
"I think for our fans, the one thing Sugababes has come to stand for above all else is our consistent and unique style of music," said Buchanan.
"Obviously, it goes without saying that we will all miss Mutya, but we also knew there was still a place for bringing in somebody new who could help us carry on taking the Sugababes brand of music forward."
