Beyonce “What my mother taught me”
BEYONCE KNOWLES, 29, is one of the world’s top female singing stars with worldwide sales of more than 80million records.She hit the big-time with her group, Destiny’s Child, then as a solo artist.She has starred in hit films such as Austin Powers In Goldmember, The Pink Panther and Dreamgirls and has donated millions to charitable causes, including Haiti’s earthquake victims and widows of New York police and fire services after 9/11.
Beyonce, who married rapper Jay-Z in 2008, releases her fourth studio album, simply called 4, on Monday, June 27 after headlining at Glastonbury the day before.Here, she talks to GARTH PEARCE about what her mother taught her. My mum, Tina, taught me honesty. As a result, I tell the truth. If I can’t tell the truth for some reason or other, then I don’t say anything.She also taught me, by example,the value of hard work. She worked in a bank and saved enough money to open her own hair salon called Headliners. Very early on, she was telling me to be who I wanted to be.So I wanted to be a hair stylist for a while. Then a dance teacher.
When I was seven, I performed on stage for the first time and fell in love with the feeling. I was awkward around other kids, but felt comfortable on stage. I said to my mum: “There is no way this will work but I am going to be a singer.” I was in a group, aged nine, and my dad, Mathew, left his job to manage us. He’s done a great job – but it was difficult then. We lost money. We had to sell our house and move into a small place and my mum supported the whole family.
I was a kid but they argued a lot and, at one point, separated. It was hurtful to know they had such stress.
But my mum did not keep anything from us and she was as honest with me as she expected me to be with her. She made me understand who I am and what I want, while giving us all unconditional love.
She also taught me to be forgiving. My mum had kept all her clothes from the Sixties but when I was about six I started playing with matches.
I managed to burn down one of the rooms in the house with all those clothes. She was more concerned for my safety than the room or the possessions. I am aware that I was lucky. A lot of kids don’t have that when growing up. Socially, I did miss out. I left school at 14 and had a tutor. I was never exposed to people long enough to make friends so my family became my friends.
I moved out of my mum and dad’s place around the age of 19. I bought furniture for my first house and was really excited – but that stuff was in storage for years. I was on the road, working and didn’t have time to buy a place. I travel light – just a phone and a camera, with all my family pictures stored in it.
Everyone is always surprised how light I travel because I have one item of hand baggage and a bigger bag for my clothes. Again that’s down to Mum who says the more possessions you have, the bigger the problem.
She is a good businesswoman. We have worked a lot together on everything from fashion to lingerie.
I am also aware that as an African American, I have a different responsibility.
I have all these endorsements and worldwide success. I am honoured to accomplish so much but I never forget where I came from and my mum’s advice and love. She always told me to remain grounded. We all have our insecurities and I see plenty of things wrong with myself.What has given me confidence is the love of a good man.
Will I become a mother myself? I was at the birth of one of my nephews, with my sister Solange, and the doctors were giving me drinks because I was turning purple! I thought: “I am never having a baby.” But when I saw my nephew, I thought, “This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” Then I had him for a day, with all the work, and thought. ‘Oh, no.’ There’s a long way to go. I don’t think I am ready now. But one day I will be.
Beyonce is my mum’s maiden name – and one which I’m so proud to have.
