When she used to visit her grandmother’s home on Ocean Road in South Shields, Nadine Shah proved to be a little girl with a big voice and was lovingly dubbed “mini Shirley Bassey”.
Little did she know, as she stood in front of a mirror at her parents’ Whitburn home mimicking Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, that one day she would nominated for The Mercury Prize.
Born to an English mother from South Shields of part Norwegian ancestry and a Pakistani father, Nadine grew up in the North East and has now been honoured by the University of Sunderland.
The 33 year old has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Sunderland during a graduation ceremony at the Stadium of Light.
Nadine’s debut album, Love Your Dum And Mad, brought her to the attention of music critics nationwide; as did her determination to sing – and speak – openly about social stigmas towards those suffering from mental health illnesses.
Her second record, Fast Food, followed in April 2015, and in August 2017 her most recent album Holiday Destination was released, going on to win the AIM album of the year award and be nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2018.
Nadine said: “I'm delighted to have been here and take part in what was a special day for so many talented students. I wish them all good luck.”
