Ich Bin Kentishtowner: Mica Paris, singer

Mica Paris is celebrating 25 years in the music industry this year. She has just finished recording her eighth studio album, produced by Rod Temperton, who wrote Thriller. Recently made an ambassador to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, she is appearing at Shaka Zulu on New Year’s Eve, performing her “dancefloor hits”. Expect fire eaters and a “decadent” five course dinner too – more info here.

When were you happiest?
In Camden when Prince had his own store and I used to hang out there. Also when he played Camden Palace and asked me to sing with him.

What is your favourite sound or smell?
Sound? Brazilian jazz. Smell has to be the Jamaican restaurant Cottons.

What is your greatest life achievement?
Still being in the music business after all these years with my sanity intact. And still having my voice.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Stick to what you love you will be successful.

What is your earliest memory of the area?
The market and book shop Compendium, just near Camden Lock. I used to buy great books there.

What makes you unhappy?
People who are obsessed with all things materialistic make me ill.

What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
More time in the day would make life a bit easier.

What is your most unappealing habit?
My laugh: it’s so loud, and in a restaurant not always appropriate.

Where do you hang out?
At home, mostly.

Who or what do you hate and why?
I don’t hate anyone – except smelly people haha.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Sometimes I don’t like being the tallest person in the room; but always seem to be.

What’s the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
When someone has left you for another and tells you.

Tell us a secret.
I would love to be anonymous.

What has your career taught you?
To fight for what you believe in even if it’s not hip at the time, because eventually it will be.

What is your favourite dish and why?
Sea-bass with French beans.

What did you do today?
I met with Rod Temperton, my producer of my latest album, and then after the gym picked up my daughter from school. Cooked dinner, bath, bed.

Describe yourself as an animal.
I am definitely a lioness.

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