Girl Power Interview with a Spice Girl
Last week when women worldwide were applauded and celebrated I, Rebekah James - Connect’s media expert, was taken on a trip down memory lane to a time where I lived through the 'Girl Power' era! This was a slogan that encouraged and celebratedwomen's empowerment, independence, confidence and growth; mainly thanks to one British female band, "The Spice Girls."
As a young BBC Radio and Television presenter I jumped at the chance of interviewing many a prolific celebrity and none came with greater kudos at the start of the 'noughties' than the Spice Girls. When asked to attend a Sony Records "junket day" to interview Mel B (Scary Spice) who was promoting her latest single during IWD week I couldn't think of anything more exciting!
Girl Power Interview with a Spice Girl
Mel B - photo by Raph PH
I was in fact pregnant with my first child, Ela at the time and must confess that I was panicking about what to wear for this TV interview. Should I flaunt my pregnancy and own my bump with pride during my second trimester? I was known for having a penchant for extroverted, flamboyant clothing and my image was integral to my role as a TV presenter who pioneered a new era of youth/ features/ arts shows. However, for the first time in my life as a woman I truly questioned how my choice of attire for the interview would be perceived by my television audience. Coupled with this: I asked myself for the first time, when on earth would a man need to question and encounter this conundrum? It didn't take me long to come to an answer and I went bold and brave ... showing off the miracle that was growing inside me.
Upon arriving at Sony I was met by Mel B's male agent who told me that any questions regarding Mel's current husband and their marriage were off limits. They were going through a rocky patch, and the roller-coaster ride of their marriage was plastered all over the tabloids on the day of my interview with her. However, being the curious, inquisitive 'journo' that I was I decided to take a punt at a question related to her marriage. How did I know that this male agent had taken instruction from Mel herself? This information hadn't come from her?
Woman to woman, face to face, I plucked up the courage and asked her if she was in an abusive relationship? She in turn answered diplomatically and bravely whilst her agent looked on with eyes that could kill! Here she was, a global superstar, a young black lady in her early 20's who wasn't afraid to speak her truth. She didn't shut me down and stood up for herself.
This is an interview that shall remain etched in my mind as a young broadcaster when celebrating IWD. Broadcasters worldwide have made huge leaps and advances since then but thanks to the likes of The Spice Girls, a generation of girls were inspired to fly the flag for women and own their femininity, identity and fight for equality.
First communicated by the Spice Girls' 1996 debut single "Wannabee," Girl Power was the continued message through their music and the image of the importance of sisterhood and female empowerment reigned large. I'm delighted to have been part of that unique journey and period in media history.
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