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‘Go out and see the world’

Kelly Rowland, who was in the city for the Aquitainia launch, muses on music, inspirations, travelling and being a ‘Dubai veteran’ in a candid chat

KELLY ROWLAND FORMED one-third of phenomenally successful girl group Destiny’s Child, alongside Beyoncé Knowles and Michelle Williams.

The band sold 50 million albums worldwide and enjoyed four number one hits in their native America – including ‘Bootylicious’ and ‘Independent Women Part I’ – before splitting in 2005.

Kelly has proved she can stand on her own two feet, however, carving out an impressive career as a solo artist. Her two albums have spawned hit singles such as ‘Work’, ‘Stole’ and ‘Dilemma’, a doe-eyed duet with rapper Nelly which also won her a Grammy Award.

Kelly, visiting Dubai as a brand ambassador for Aquitainia, spoke to City Times about the luxury development, her career and megalomaniacal babies.

So how did you become involved in the Aquitainia project?

When I first came to Dubai five years ago, I saw all the big posters of The World. I thought it was absolutely amazing and I had so many questions about it. My manager just called me recently and told me about Aquitainia – I was so excited by it and I’m happy they have me on board.

Would you describe yourself as a Dubai veteran?

This is my sixth time in Dubai – I’d like to think I’m a veteran. The first time I came here I went to Wild Wadi, rode the camels, did the safari adventure – we got in an SUV and rode almost vertically down sand dunes. It was an amazing trip. I think it’s important to go out and experience a city, or you’re not experiencing everything the world has to offer. Go out and see the world. Try it, why not?

And where do you live these days?

I live in Miami. It’s very chilled out and hot all the time. I actually travel between there and London at the moment. I’m still looking for a house in London – it’s the hardest thing to find a space that you actually like, but when you do it’s perfect. It’s very expensive there too.

You’re obviously very well travelled. Which cultures have you found particularly interesting?

I think the culture here is really interesting. The first time I came to Dubai I remember seeing all the women dressed up. They had their abayas on and I was like ‘I want one’. I put one on and went to the Gold Souk and I bought up so much stuff. I had gone the day before and the traders jacked up the prices so high. The food in Dubai is really good too.

How is your third album coming along?

Right now I’m recording in the studio and it’s so exciting. I’m working with amazing producers and songwriters. It’s very much inspired by the world. I’ve been able to travel so much of the world and wherever I go I pick something up and take it with me – whether it’s a sound, a drumbeat or the way a child may speak. I take that with me and bring it to the studio.

Are there any artists who are particularly influencing your own music at the moment?

Stevie Wonder, definitely. His chords, his music, the way he paints colours with words. I’m loving 1980s music at the moment too. I love all the dance stuff, like Human League, Eurythmics and Tears for Fears.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?

Cyndi Lauper – that would be a great collaboration, I would love to work with her. Kanye West too, I love him.

What’s the difference between being in a band and life as a solo artist?

As a solo artist, it’s just you – you have your lonely moments and you have moments where you’re onstage by yourself and happy. I think there’s nothing wrong with being comfortable in your own space. I’m comfortable in my space with Destiny’s Child as well, we all are – Beyoncé, Michelle and myself.

Was being in Destiny’s Child a rocky journey?

The girls and I are very close, I talk to them all the time. I talked to Beyoncé two days ago and Michelle today. People find it really hard to believe that we’re still close because the band broke up. It doesn’t mean we hate each other – our friendship is the most important thing, we just have different projects.

Do you ever see Destiny’s Child ever reforming?

If anything should happen, I would want it to be a surprise. I’m leaving my options open.

And finally, who’s your favourite cartoon character?

Right now it would have to be Stewie Griffin from ‘Family Guy’. His humour is absolutely hilarious, I love the fact he has a British accent. He’s just so quirky and cool – I love that kid.

adam@khaleejtimes.com