July 15th: Today's Feature

July

Alesha Anjanette Dixon, born on October 7, 1978, is a multi-talented English artist who has made a name for herself in various fields. Initially gaining recognition as a member of the popular R&B, garage, and hip hop group Mis-Teeq in the early 2000s, Dixon contributed to the group's success with seven UK top 10 hits, two top 10 double platinum albums, and over 12 million records sold worldwide. Following the disbandment of Mis-Teeq in 2005, she embarked on a solo career and signed a recording contract with Polydor Records. However, her debut solo studio album, "Fired Up," faced challenges due to underwhelming sales of its first two singles, "Lipstick" and "Knockdown," resulting in her departure from Polydor.

Overview

In 2007, Dixon participated in and won the fifth series of the renowned BBC One dancing competition show, Strictly Come Dancing. This victory propelled her back into the spotlight and led to a successful musical comeback. She subsequently signed with Asylum Records and released her second studio album, "The Alesha Show," in 2008. The album achieved platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry and spawned hit singles such as "The Boy Does Nothing" and "Breathe Slow," with the latter becoming her highest-charting single and earning her a Brit Award nomination.

Dixon's career continued to flourish as she joined the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing in 2009 and released her third studio album, "The Entertainer," the following year. In 2012, after her stint as a judge on the ninth series of Strictly Come Dancing, she made the decision to join the judging panel of the ITV talent competition show, Britain's Got Talent. Her fourth studio album, "Do It for Love," was released in 2015, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Dixon's talent and charisma have also extended to the realm of television presenting. She has hosted various shows, including "Alesha's Street Dance Stars" in 2010, "Your Face Sounds Familiar" in 2013, "Text Santa" from 2014 to 2015, "Dance Dance Dance" in 2017, "The Greatest Dancer" from 2019 to 2020, "Comic Relief" from 2019 to 2022, and the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.

She has also written children's books, including the best-selling novel Lightning Girl.

Early life

Alesha Anjanette Dixon was born in Welwyn Garden City on 7 October 1978 to a Jamaican father and Scottish mother. Growing up in Welwyn Garden City, Dixon attended Chancellors School in Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire. However, her childhood was marked by the separation of her parents when she was just four years old. Her father moved away, leaving Dixon to describe her family life as "very dysfunctional." Unfortunately, between the ages of eight and ten, Dixon witnessed her mother endure domestic violence from her partner, an experience that deeply impacted her.

It wasn't until 21 years later, in 2010, that she publicly spoke about this issue. In an effort to raise awareness, Dixon created a documentary for the BBC called "Don't Hit My Mum," shedding light on domestic abuse from a child's perspective. Reflecting on her own childhood, Dixon expressed that she didn't remember any harmonious or fun times due to the negativity that clouded her memories. She strongly believes that every child deserves to grow up in a secure and fearless environment, something she didn't experience herself.

Despite the challenges she faced, Dixon's determination and talent shone through. Her first job was at Ladbrokes, but her true passion lay in becoming a PE teacher. After completing a diploma course in sports studies, she had plans to attend Loughborough University. However, fate had other plans for her. While attending dance classes in London, Dixon caught the attention of a talent scout from a production company. This encounter opened up a world of opportunities for her. On her journey back home, she was approached by another scout who was in the process of forming a group and asked if she would be interested. This unexpected turn of events led Dixon to embark on a different path, one that would ultimately lead her to success in the entertainment industry.

Influences

Despite growing up in the predominantly white area of Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, Dixon's father Melvin made sure she had the opportunity to connect with her Jamaican heritage by taking her to the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival in London. This annual event exposed her to the pulsating rhythms of dancehall music, which left a lasting impact on her musical preferences. Dixon fondly recalls saving up to buy dancehall records by artists like Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton, and it was at Notting Hill where she first heard their captivating tunes.

In an interview, when asked about her favourite songwriter, Dixon confidently named Lauryn Hill. She admires Hill's fearlessness in addressing real-life issues through her music. Dixon appreciates how Hill's lyrics can be thought-provoking and even controversial, as they spark conversations and encourage people to think critically about the world around them. Hill's ability to use her platform to shed light on important topics resonates deeply with Dixon.

Another influential figure in Dixon's life is Neneh Cherry, a mixed-race singer. From a young age, Dixon found inspiration in Cherry's presence on television, as she saw a reflection of herself in the artist. Seeing someone who looked like her on screen gave Dixon a sense of belonging and representation. Cherry's impact on Dixon's life and career cannot be overstated, as she played a significant role in shaping Dixon's identity as an artist.

Activism & Charity Work

Alesha Dixon, a well-known celebrity in the entertainment industry, has consistently expressed her belief in the moral responsibility that comes with fame. In an interview with The Observer's Elizabeth Day, she emphasised the importance of using her platform for good works. This demonstrates her genuine commitment to making a positive impact on society.

One notable example of Dixon's dedication to philanthropy is her participation in the 2009 Comic Relief challenge. Alongside other celebrities such as Cheryl Cole, Kimberley Walsh, and Gary Barlow, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise funds for combating malaria. Their collective efforts resulted in an impressive £3,500,000 donation towards this cause, showcasing Dixon's ability to mobilise her fame for the greater good.

In addition to her involvement with Comic Relief, Dixon has also taken on ambassadorial roles for various charities. She expressed her gratitude for being asked to become an official ambassador for Help a London Child, a charity that supports disadvantaged children in the city. Furthermore, she serves as a patron for the African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT), actively working to increase the number of Black and Mixed Parentage people on the UK Bone Marrow Register. Dixon's dedication to these causes demonstrates her genuine compassion and desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Overall, Alesha Dixon's consistent involvement in charitable endeavours and her belief in the moral responsibility that comes with fame highlight her genuine commitment to making a positive impact on society. Her dedication to various causes, ranging from combating malaria to supporting disadvantaged children and advocating for animal rights, demonstrates her compassion and desire to create a better world for all.

In addition to her work within the LGBTQ+ community, Dixon has also shown her support for the Black Lives Matter movement. During an episode of Britain's Got Talent in September 2020, she wore a necklace that spelled out "BLM," a gesture that was met with both praise and criticism. Despite receiving complaints from some viewers, Dixon's actions were seen as a powerful statement of solidarity with the dance troupe Diversity, who had recently performed a routine addressing the murder of George Floyd. By using her platform to bring attention to important social issues, Dixon continues to demonstrate her commitment to promoting equality and justice.