Javine

DADDY COOL debued at the West End

Daddy Cool tells the story of ‘Sunny’, a young man who is caught up in local rivalry
between East and West London crews through a forbidden love.

Last year , DADDY COOL debued at the West End. Set to the music of the 70’s icon Bony M, Daddy Cool tells the story of ‘Sunny’, a young man who is caught up in local rivalry between East and West London crews through a forbidden love. Echoing Romeo and Juliet, this star-studded production, which includes Michelle Collins, Harvey and Javine, is tipped to be a huge success. Xcel caught up with Javine to talk about about her role and journey to the production and to find out why she is just crazy about Daddy Cool!

So… tell me about your character Asia Blue in Daddy Cool?
She’s a pole dancer in Ma bakers club who is aspiring to be a singer.

I guess you can  you can relate to her then?
Well the singing bit yes…not the pole dancing! I think she’s a bit more timid than I am though!

Is the West End rehearsal process as gruelling as they say?
Yes it is! Because it’s a new show its been workshopped loads and the process has been really long. I have loads of costume changes. I did the Lion King before this but it was less tiring – I’ve got so many scratches and bruises from going up that pole!

So you wouldn’t recommend pole dancing as a career then?
Errr…no!

Daddy Cool is based around Bony M songs - did you grow up listening to their music?
Not really. I’d heard of ‘Brown Girl In The ring’ but that was about it, but when you hear the songs you think oh they did this one – I had no idea how massive they were!

What’s it like working with Michelle Collin and Harvey?
It’s great! Harvey has been like a big brother to me and Michelle has been real help with my lines as this is the first time I’ve ever done any real straight acting.

When you were growing up what did you want to be?
Since I was five I always wanted to be a performer. My mum took me to a pantomime and I was hooked!

Apart from singing around your bedroom into your hairbrush how did you originally get into singing and dancing?
I started in ballet classes when I was three then progressed to a Saturday school for Sylvia Young. I then went onto Arts Educational to train and finished my training at London Studio. I’d recommend these places to anyone, I learned so much there.

What is your advice to young black performers with similar ambitions to yourself?
Just to stick with it! Everyone has their time it just may come at a different stage than you originally thought. You just have to keep going and never stop learning about your craft.

Do you feel as a performer in the UK you get pigeon-holed?
Not really – it does happen though so it’s really important that you carve out your own style. At the moment people don’t know how they see me because I’m doing so many things but I just want them to think of me as Javine! 

Do you feel there are enough opportunities for black performers in theatre?
No I don’t actually! There’s still so much typecasting going on. A while ago when they asked for a black girl I wouldn’t have had a chance because I was too light but now at least they do start asking for mixed-race girls so things are getting a bit better!

You came from the Pop Idol: The Rivals background, do you feel that you’ve moved away from that show?
Well it is part of my history so I’d never shun it but I’m just trying to do my own thing now.

Do you feel these shows exploit young talent?
Well there’s good and bad with these shows but there are lots of talented people trying to get on and so you think well why not!

Does the media attention you get bother you?
I think having personal things written about you would affect anyone. I just try to ignore it! I accept that it comes with the territory.

 Are you conscious of being a good role model to young girls?
I am but then everyone has to live their life and go with their heart. If I didn’t make mistakes I wouldn’t be human. I think the fact I’m still here and still trying sets a good example to girls.

Who was your role model when you were growing up?
Mostly soul singers really Mariah Carey, Whitney, Michael Jackson they were the songs I sang in the shower and are the reason I’m doing what I’m doing.

So…if it all came to a stop tomorrow what memories would stand out the most?
There are so many but listening to my song on the radio for the first time was a great moment. That and learning so much about myself!