United Kingdom 
Estelle interviewed for Red Magazine
5 years ago
Estelle is a Grammy Award-winning musical artist and actress, known for her diverse blend of R&B, soul, reggae, grime, hip-hop, and dance, and her impactful acting and voice-over roles.
Estelle launched New London Records, an independent label, in partnership with BMG, with whom she has worked as a writer.
Estelle signed with American singer John Legend's Homeschool Records, in a joint venture with Atlantic Records, to release her second album, Shine (2008).
Estelle signed with John Legend's Homeschool Records, in a joint venture with Atlantic Records, to release her second album, Shine (2008).
Premium streetwear brand Diplomacy partnered with NBA player Wes Iwundu and enlisted Estelle.
Estelle collaborated with designer Rachel Roy to create a jewelry collection featuring unique accessories with gold and jeweled accents.
One of her most significant partnerships was with Kanye West on the chart-topping song "American Boy," which was a commercial success.
"American Boy" singer Estelle will take the stage with the Nu Deco Ensemble at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami on December 15, 2025.
Estelle hosts and presents 'The Estelle Show' on Apple Music, which has run for over 500 episodes.
Estelle Fanta Swaray, known mononymously as Estelle, was born on January 18, 1980, in Hammersmith, London, England. Growing up in a religious household where secular music was often restricted, she found early exposure to American gospel and West African music, with hip-hop being discovered through her uncle. She began her career in London’s hip-hop scene, performing in clubs and collaborating with artists like Skitz before releasing her solo debut in 2003 with “Excuse Me.” Her first album, “The 18th Day,” released in 2004, included the single “1980” which reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and earned her a MOBO Award for Best Newcomer. This period established her presence in UK music before gaining international recognition.
A significant turning point came with her collaboration with John Legend, who signed her to his Homeschool Records. This led to her second album, “Shine,” in 2008, which effectively launched her into the international spotlight. The album featured the Grammy-winning single “American Boy” with Kanye West, which topped the UK Singles Chart and performed well globally. Her career progressed with subsequent albums like “All of Me” (2012), which included the Grammy-nominated track “Thank You.” Beyond music, Estelle diversified her career into acting, notably voicing Garnet in the animated series “Steven Universe” from 2013 to 2019, a role she reprised in the movie and sequel series. She also appeared in films such as “Fatal Affair” (2020) and TV shows like “Empire” (2015-2017).
In 2013, Estelle launched New London Records, an independent label in partnership with BMG, to release EPs and albums, demonstrating her commitment to creative control over her musical projects. Her fourth album, “True Romance,” was released in 2015, followed by “Lovers Rock” in 2018, showcasing her continued musical versatility with a reggae focus. She also hosts “The Estelle Show” on Apple Music, further extending her reach in media. Her most recent album, “Stay Alta,” was released in 2025, marking her ongoing contribution to the music industry on both artistic and business fronts.
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