A Whole Lotta Luv

Guaranteed to get a dancefloor jumping, Booty Luv performs one of the most sizzling house sets in clubland. And you can see them live at Butlins' Mid Summer Party. We caught up with diva of dance Cherise….

Dynamite Duo Former front women of chart-topping hip-hop act Big Brovaz, Booty Luv are Nadia Shepherd and Cherise Roberts. Their debut single ‘Boogie 2Nite' peaked at Number 2 in the UK charts and stayed in the Top 10 for an incredible eight weeks. The follow up, a cover of the Luther Vandross song ‘Shine' bagged them another top Top 10 hit, followed by a reworking of the Lucy Pearl classic ‘Don't Mess With My Man' which made the UK Top 20 at Number 11; and ‘Some Kinda Rush' which also made the Top 20 and written by the girls themselves. Their album ‘Boogie 2Nite' features all four hits as well as five original songs.

How does being in Booty Luv compare to your time with Big Brovaz?

Well there is obviously a big difference seeing as it is only myself and Nadia now and Big Brovaz had three girls, three boys and two producers! Also it is quite refreshing to write songs and perform to a totally different genre of music.

What are you best memories of Big Brovaz?

I think one of the best memories would have to be travelling to Los Angeles and be a part of the film Scooby Doo-2: Monsters Unleashed. We performed a version of Sly & The Family Stone's ‘Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)!

How did you first get involved with the band?

I was 15 when it all happened. A producer called Skillz heard me on a mix tape and asked me to come and meet him at the studio and we ended up recording a song which became a success on the underground scene. And that's how I became a part of Big Brovaz.

What kick-started your love of music?

I think my Dad had a lot of influence when it comes to my love of music because I would go to nearly all of his studio sessions and watch him sing and play various instruments with different musicians.

You had a distinct hip hop sound before and now with the collaboration with Hed Kandi you're a house/dance act. Were you always a house act itching to get out?

We are both big fans of dance music in general and this sort of project has always been something we would have liked to have done. We just never had the time.

How did Booty Luv come about?

Our manager was approached by record label Hed Kandi and they were looking for a singer to vocal the track ‘Boogie 2nite'. We never thought from this that we would have the chance to record an album.

How would you describe yourself as an act?

A sassy, feisty, soulful, cheesy, crazy, positive double act!

And how would you describe your sound?

Everything we do has a sense of fun about it – that's the type of girls we are. We hope that people play our album when they're getting ready for a night out, and then hit the dance floor when they hear the tracks later at a club.

You've covered a Lucy Pearl track as well as Luther Vandross. Do you have plans to work on more of your own original material?

Well ‘Some Kinda Rush' was original and we wrote some of the songs on the album. We're working on an album for 2008 and we're hoping that all songs will be original on the next one.

Who are your musical heroes and why?

Mariah Carey because her voice speaks for itself and Beyonce because she has a wonderful voice. I admire the ‘business woman' Beyonce also.

Who would you most like to work with musically at the moment?

So many people! Too many to mention.

What has been the standout moment of your career so far?

PERFORMING IN IBIZA!!! We sang at Galaxy's ‘House Music All Night Long' with MTV Dance at Café Mambo and we also did a live PA at El Divino.

Best gig you've ever played and why?

G.A.Y in London because they are the best crowd ever!

What was the reaction of the crowd at Butlins and what did you think of the Weekender atmosphere in general?

It was brilliant fun and the crowd were great as usual. The kids there are always up for a laugh.

Anything exciting in the pipeline for you at the moment?

We are recording a new album which is due to be released summer 2008.

What's your top five playlist?

• Get to Know Ya - Maxwell
• A Little Bit – Booty Luv
• Like That – JoJo
• Dream Lover – Mariah Carey
• Summertime – Beyonce (Box)

Not a lot of people know that…….

• A track featuring Cherise on the Big Brovaz' first album was brought to the attention of the organisers of the annual MOBO awards and she was asked to compete in the annual MOBO Unsigned Talent competition in 2000. She walked away with first prize!
• Big Brovaz reformed as a four-piece with Nadia, Cherise, J-Rock and Randy and competed to be the British entry in Eurovision 2007 with their track Big Bro Thang. Other entries included Brian Harvey and Justin Hawkins, but Scooch controversially took the victory with their Flying the Flag (For You), amidst rumours that they had two hidden singers backstage who boosted their performance.
• Kelly Osbourne is apparently a massive fan of Booty Luv – she's been reported as saying she plays their tunes to get her in the mood for a big night out.