Mobo

MOBO Meets...Laura Izibor

Dubbed the “Soul of Ireland”, 22 year-old soul singer Laura Izibor sat down with MOBO to talk about her new single, new album, career thus far and why Dublin should be the MOBO Awards next destination!
 

Tell me about the new single “Don’t Stay”
 

“Don’t Stay” is about a person, in a relationship, who has fallen out of love and yet they continue to stay with each other. They begin to resent each other – it gets crazy. When you’re the person who’s still in it – it takes strength because there comes a point where you need to be able to make a decision for the both of you. It’s hard but if you stay, you’ll both just make each other miserable.
 

The new album “Let the Truth be Told” has been a long time in the making, what was the hold up?
 

A lot of it was unfortunately record labels – I had to change from one label to the next. If you ask any artist who’s had to do that, it’s hard. It takes time, headspace and so there was a lot of waiting. The album itself took around 3 years. I was 17, I had come to the label with all these songs that were sounding like they were from the 60’s and I was singing them like I was 30. They didn’t really know what to do with me! It was…a big amazing mess! So yeah, it took a while to fine-tune the Izibor sound.
 

Do the songs on the album reflect you as a person?
Yeah. 100%, that comes with the title – it’s my truth. I wrote the whole album I couldn’t hide behind anyone. While I was writing the songs, I didn’t mind being so open and honest, but now when I start talking about them, I’m like “wow, why did I say that?” It’s personal. But, the fans love that – they really connect. Tracks like “What Would You Do?” I really show my vulnerable side, my weakness. That’s not easy, especially because I’m quite a private person, but when the fans hear it they love it because they know who I am.

 

Teairra Mari featuring Flo Rida - 'Cause a Scene'

5 a Day...Today's Stories - 06/05/09

SHE BAGGED THE DEAL
UK singing heavyweight Estelle has paired with vodka brand Belvedere to create The Belvie Bag. According to BrownSista.com, the singer joined forces with the brand and former Jimmy Choo shoe designer Jonathan Kelsey to launch their newest flavour of bag, Black Raspberry. The American Boy singer said of her collabo ‘This bag is such a statement. You definitely have to be trend-savvy to wear it. It’s designed to grab attention at the club without knocking over half the people inside of it. It’s big enough in size without being overpowering’. The limited edition bag is selling for a staggering $1,400 and will be popping up in London and New York the early end of this month.
 

5 a Day...Today's Stories - 28/04/09

SNEAK PREVIEW
Last year’s X Factor winner Alexandra Burke may still be pinching herself. According to NowMagazine.co.uk, the UK songstress started work on her much anticipated solo debut last week in LA and previewed her material to her idol Beyonce. The Daily Records quoted Burke as saying ‘Oh my God. I just met Beyoncé again! And this time I didn’t cry. She listened to my songs. My heart is racing’.