Singer Rozalla Miller first hit the charts in 1991 with her infectious dance hit ‘Everybody’s Free’. Now she is back with a soulful jazz album ‘Brand New Version’. She talks to mydeco about her cookery book addiction, the art that reminds her of home and why her house is made for entertaining.
Image credit: Curtain Up
I live… in Battersea, London, in an old house that my husband and I have modernised. It has a beautiful garden with lots of plants and some lovely wooden garden furniture. My husband and I spend a lot of time out there having barbecues.
My style is… homely and warm. I don’t like houses that feel pristine or cold – I like my guests to feel welcome and relaxed when they arrive. To achieve a homely atmosphere I use rich, warm colours such as terracotta and aubergine, and I have plenty of books, photos and art around the place.
My most treasured possession is… a family photo album I’ve had for years. It’s full of photos from when I was young, some shots of my in–laws and, of course, my wedding photos. I go home to Zimbabwe and Zambia twice a year to visit my family, and I always take the photo album with me so we can have a trip down memory lane together.
I love… my bed! It’s a king size and is seriously comfortable. The base is made from honey–coloured wood and has a slatted headboard. I’ve piled it high with cushions and blankets in earthy tones to make it as inviting as possible. My husband and I spend a lot of time chatting and reading in bed, and I always say that a good night’s sleep sets you up for the next day.
I’m addicted to… cookery books – every time a new one comes out I just have to have it! I have a huge stack packed onto bookshelves in my living room and guests love leafing through them – my collection is quite the talking point of the house.
My favourite room is… the Africa room. It’s one of the guest bedrooms and contains lots of African art that my friends and family gave to me. I have two beautiful images of African women carved onto copper, a face mask on the bedside table, a soapstone carving of a mother and child, and a lovely painting on muslin cloth of an African village. I can often be found chilling out in there – it reminds me of home.
I would love to own… a walk in wardrobe – I think it’s every girl’s dream. It would have a big, full length mirror and a dressing table. Although, if I did have one and my family came over to stay I think they might treat it as a mini shop and take whatever they liked!
If my house was burning down, I would grab… my family photo album, the silver disc that I got for ‘Everybody’s Free’ and my Tiffany earrings, which my husband gave to me.
I practise singing… in my living room because it’s big and the sound in there is lovely. My husband sits on the sofa and listens to me and will give me points for improvement now and again. He keeps me grounded.
I entertain… in my open–plan kitchen/diner. I love the fact that I can chat to my guests while I’m cooking, and that they can come and watch or join in.
My love of music can be seen in my home… through the jazz–inspired art I’ve collected. I lived in Miami for a few years and found a gallery by the artist R.J. Hohimer. As soon as I walked into it I fell in love with his pieces – they’re vibrant, colourful, and full of passion. I have one called ‘Hotspot Club’ and another called ‘Kiss from a Lady’.
The most important thing in my life is… family and friends. When it comes down to it, what do we really want in life? People who love us, and who we love.
I’m most proud of… my new album. I’m so grateful for the success I had with my dance track, but it did pigeonhole me. It’s taken many years of discussions, demos and pushing to get to the point where people will accept another style from me. My new album is acoustic and totally different from my previous work.
Check out Rozalla’s top ten favourite products, here.
Want more jazz–inspired style? Check out our interview with jazz’s hottest new star, Kit Downes.
