Mutya Buena on Sugababes, Heidi Range and what really came of her Nando’s Black Card
Exclusive: "I personally don’t feel it was revoked..." laughs the 'Real Girl' singer as she takes Attitude's fabulousness test - and passes with flying colours
Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Provided
As one third of the Sugababes (she and origibabes Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy reformed in 2012 as MKS, before the Sugababes name was restored to them in 2019), she’s a girl-band veteran. But just how fabulous is Mutya Buena? We investigate and mark her answers accordingly…
We’re depressed about the state of the world. Which Sugababes/Mutya Buena songs are you prescribing us?
‘Song 4 Mutya’. ‘Push the Button’. ‘Overload’.
Play them on repeat until we die. 5/5
What’s your response to the statement: “‘Ugly’ is one of the most beautiful songs of all time”?
I totally fucking agree. Lyrically, it touches people. It should be the national anthem.
“People are all the same.” 5/5
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How much is too much for a haircut?
Well, I wear a lot of wigs. For a good-quality wig, you could be spending £200 to £1,000. Then you’ve got to buy the products to maintain the wig afterwards! I’ve got so many wigs that need care, and I just can’t be bothered!
What would Moira Rose say? 3/5
Which Sugababes era is the best?
With Siobhan, it was the beginning of our career: a crazy moment. We only got a year with her out in public. Everyone asks me, “If you could change things…?” It would be to celebrate and promote that album more. But when Heidi joined, things were really good as well. Heidi brought the pop element. I haven’t spoken to Heidi for many years, but I do respect her. I left it there when I left the group. But I don’t have a problem with her. If anything, I love her. We’re grown women; I feel 100 years older now! She’s a Sugababe and I’m never going to take that from her. She worked her arse off as much as we all did.
We’re glad to hear it. 5/5
Who are the second- and third-best Mighty Hoopla 2022 performers after the Sugababes?
Anastacia. Vocally, you can’t get better than that. And Natalie Imbruglia.
Fourth: Steps’ Lisa Scott-Lee. 4/5
Rank these Mutya Buena collaborators in order of icon status: Amy Winehouse, George Michael, Sting.
George first. Never met a nicer man. He’d big me up on stage when we did the live shows. There’s only three other women he actually made music with: Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige and Whitney Houston! I remember walking into the studio and seeing him swivelling on a chair and thought it was a prank — I didn’t expect to be taught by him. Then Amy. I knew her and she was a beautiful woman, an amazing artist. I opened a show for Prince, as well. He told me how much he loved my album!
Aretha, Mary, Whitney and Mutya: George had taste. 5/5
Which Sugababes song that you didn’t feature on are you partial to?
I’m not going to lie: ‘About You Now’. It’s great. I couldn’t see myself singing on it — but that’s because I didn’t.
We can’t actually imagine it. 4/5
What should Madonna do next?
Collab with the Sugababes!
Well, Mutya does have form for collabing with superstars! 4/5
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Is it true you once had a Nando’s Black Card revoked?
Who told you that?! Was it Keisha?! [Laughs] OK, I’m going to explain. Basically, what it was, it kind of… [laughs] I personally don’t feel it was revoked. I feel like they knew what was going on… [Falls into fits of laughter] One time, it was really bad. Family meals, a big old Nando’s…
Well, what happened?! Did it just stop working?
Yeah, I think so… I want it back! Or some credit or something! Nando’s, please!
Iconique. Nando’s, are you listening? 5/5
Do you have the same problem we all have, in forgetting that ‘Overload’ is the Sugababes’ best song?
Do you know what, it’s like that. As old as it is, it always feels current… it’s weird. People always remember Number Ones. With ‘Overload’ [which went to number six], they remember it anyway.
Justice for the classics that missed the top five! 5/5
Who’s your favourite Spice Girl and why?
I love them all — they remind me of being in high school. Have I met them all? Of course! I’ve always had great responses from all of them. I love Mel C, though, her personality is just… you don’t get better than that. I’ve met a Victoria a couple of times; she’s beautiful. The main thing I remember is an interview on CD:UK with her and Cheryl. You can see it on YouTube. I’m sitting there with my legs wide open, going: “Yeah… Yeah…” I just want to punch myself in the face!
Forget MKS, it’s all about MVC. 5/5
SCORE: 90% Attitude
George was basically her guncle and she might be taking us out for some peri-peri. (To a soundtrack of ‘Song 4 Mutya’: “Let’s cut to it, my girl for lunch…”) Forget Nando’s, we want the Buena black card!
The Sugababes will be headlining at the Mighty Hoopla on 4 June.
This interview appears in the Attitude May/June issue, out now.
