The doctor will see you now, says Laura Mvula. “I’m getting an honorary doctorate in July from my old university, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, for contributions to music. Everyone will have to refer to me as Dr Laura Mvula, of course, even my mum.”
Not that the Dreaming Room singer, 31, needs a piece of paper to confirm her credentials: her late mentor Prince championed her work globally, while Lauryn Hill has invited Mvula to share her stage at Blenheim Palace in June. We stopped by for a check-up.
What would you like a lifetime supply of?
Cashew nuts. It’s my one weird thing.
A day you’d relive over and over?
The first time I fell in love. I was in Soho, watching somebody perform, but I won’t say who. It was wondrous, unexpected and ordinary all at the same time.
Most anti-establishment habit?
In those reserved classical concert crowds I’m as vocal as I would be at the O2 Arena. I’m the one whooping at the end of the sonata because that’s how I feel about music when it moves you.
Favourite smell?
My mum’s lemon cake baking.
Earliest memory?
An epic summertime water fight out in the garden armed with a hose. I have an uncle who says he can remember being born, but I think he’s lying.
Worst job you’ve had?
I was a terrible receptionist. I’d pick up the phone in the dullest, Brummie accent and was numb to it all.
Unlikeliest crush?
Simba from The Lion King, aged 10. It was his voice, both speaking and singing. My first crush was the Karate Kid, though. I thought he was delicious.
A common mistake people make about you...
People are always surprised at how small I am, probably because I’m a larger person in shows. I’m 5ft 2in. It’s all good: I just tell them I’m the same height as my friend Prince. I remember when I met him for the first time, thinking: “Oh my God, you’re so small too,” and laughing to myself.
Laura Mvula headlines Love Supreme at the Roundhouse on April 13 and supports Lauryn Hill at Blenheim Palace on June 21
