Begin Again with Davina McCall

Jamelia: I Had To Start My Life From Scratch

Dec 4, 2025
Jamelia shares her inspiring journey of rebuilding life after heartbreak, emphasizing the strength she found in motherhood. She reflects on her Rastafarian roots and her choice to homeschool her four daughters to encourage their individuality. Navigating the challenges of single motherhood and abandonment, Jamelia discusses resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of teaching consent. With warmth and wisdom, she celebrates starting anew in her 40s, reclaiming her music career, and embracing her authentic self.
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ANECDOTE

Rastafarian Childhood Shaped Her Confidence

  • Jamelia grew up in a close-knit Rastafarian household filled with music, culture, and many parental figures.
  • That upbringing gave her historical knowledge and confidence which clashed with mainstream schooling but shaped her identity.
ADVICE

Homeschool To Protect And Nurture Identity

  • Jamelia homeschools to protect her children from systemic biases and to nurture each child's unique talents in early years.
  • She listens closely to who her children are and helps design paths that suit their individual ambitions.
ANECDOTE

Raising Daughters Across Decades Feels Like A Second Chance

  • Jamelia has four daughters spanning 21 years, and describes parenting the later ones as a chance to 'raise herself' better with lessons learned.
  • She feels blessed that her older daughters still want to spend time with her and that family bonds are strong.
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