Booty Luv at the MOBOs
With success spanning over eight years, Big Brovaz have done the urban scene proud. Their new album Re-Entry is on the brink of release and the girls, Nadia and Cherise, have just had massive success with the smash single Boogie 2Nite. With loads more in the pipeline, Black Beauty & Hair decided it was best to book a slot in their jampacked diary.
Congrats on the single! How does it feel to have reached number two?
Cherise: It feels great as we didn't expect it get to number two so we are both chuffed!
Why Boogie 2Nite?
Nadia: Ministry and Hed Kandi suggested covering the song and we loved it when Tweet did it, so we thought it would be a good idea. The boys aren't really into dance as hip hop is their thing, so it was a good departure for us.
Will you be releasing anything else under that alias?
Nadia: Yes, but we can't divulge the details yet. However there are more singles in the pipeline. Another one should be out in April followed by an album. It's still going to be dance orientated but it won't just be covers as we write our own material.
So Big Brovaz are back together. Tell me about the new single?
Nadia: The new single is called Big Bro Thang it's a rocky, anthemic track. The video is based on the Fantastic Four, so we all got to dress up. It's more like a mini movie than a music video as there was more acting involved.
You guys have surpassed a lot of the bands of your generation - why is this?
Cherise: We're still together as our style was different to all those other bands that were around. We've also known each other for eight years, so there's a lot of history.
Who are your style icons - male/female?
Nadia: Definitely Gwen Stefani. And for some reason Sienna Miller can put on a simple black dress but it will look so good.
Cherise: I love how Justin Timberlake dresses. I really like the preppy look on a guy.
How would you describe your style?
Cherise: I always have to colour coordinate. I admire people who can pull of the retro, colourful look but I'm no brave enough to try that.
Nadia: For the past year I've been more adventurous. Before I'd do jeans, shoes and a top to match but now I am trying to be more edgy.
What's your hair regime like and what products do you use?
Nadia: At the moment I am using this product called Ketty, it's an oil which helps your hair grow - so we'll wait and see. As for styling I just put it up in a bun as the weather just messes it up.
Cherise: Yeah! When you have early mornings, that's the best hairstyle - back in one and out the door. As for products, I use Fantasia by IC PM Night Time Oil Treatment. You put it on before you go to sleep, tie your hair and it magically grows overnight.
And your beauty regime?
Nadia: I don't put a lot on my face as it's sensitive. But at the moment I am using E45 (from skin. Slap it on in the morning and Bob's your uncle. Vaseline is great too but use sparingly. When I'm off out I use a bit of Fashion Fair Oil Free Liquid Make-up Foundation (£18), Loose Blot Powder by MAC (£13.50), Rimmel Eyeliner (£2.50) and a slick of Lancme's Juicy Tube (£13.50).
Cherise: I've been using Palmers Cocoa Butter (£3.59) on my face as it removes make-up and moisturises at the same time. I love Lancme's Juicy Tubes but sometimes I use Vaseline for a bit as your lips can dry out. As for make-up, I use Lancme's liquid foundation that dries matte followed by the amazing Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder by Guerlain (£24.50).
What's keeps you smelling sweet?
Cherise: I am wearing Gucci Rush (£38/50ml) at the moment but my favourite is Babydoll by YSL (£35/50ml).
How do you stay in shape?
Both: We don't!
Nadia: The only thing that is keeping us in shape at the moment is going out and performing as we don't have time to go to the gym three times a week.
Cherise: But, Nadia has a really healthy diet whereas I just eat rubbish.
Who takes longer to get ready, you or the guys?
Both: We do! Definitely.
Nadia: Well, for early mornings J-Rock is the worst - I am amazed he was on time today! But in the evenings it's us two.
Cherise: If we have a show we have to get there two hours before the boys so we can get our make-up and hair done.
What's hot and what's not this spring?
Nadia: At the moment funky leggings are definitely the way to go as people are getting much more daring with their designs.
Cherise: I think beach blonde hair is out as it seems most women are going back to dark brown or black hair. Plus it covers the split ends!
So, what's on the agenda for Big Brovas at the moment?
Nadia: We've got loads of radio interviews and performances! There's also been talks about acting, so after the single we might venture off and try our hand at the small screen.
Cherise: I'd love to try acting, but I think I would want to take some classes. I reckon I'd be good on Eastenders - perhaps as Stacey's mate!
Who would your leading man be?
Cherise: If TI could act it would have to be him. I think I am in love with him at the moment - seriously!
Nadia: For me, I think Meike Phifer (from ER) is gorgeous. He's a grown man now and the New York accent is beautiful. He's lovely - I haven't seen his bum yet, but if it's rock hard then he will be mine.
(article first appeared April/May 2007)
