Mica Paris facts for kids

Mica Paris (born Michelle Antoinette Wallen on 27 April 1969) is a famous English singer, presenter, and actress. She is known for her powerful voice in soul, gospel, and R&B music. For her work in music and charity, she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), a special honor in the United Kingdom.

Her first album, So Good, came out in 1988 and was a big hit. It included popular songs like "My One Temptation" and "Where Is the Love". Since then, she has released seven more albums. Paris has also acted on television, including playing the character Ellie Nixon in the BBC show EastEnders.

A Career in Music

Early Life and First Albums

Mica Paris grew up singing in her grandparents' church. By the time she was a teenager, she was already performing with a gospel choir. When she was only 17, she worked as a backup singer for the band Hollywood Beyond.

In 1988, at age 19, she released her first album, So Good. It was very successful and sold enough copies to be certified platinum. The album featured her hit single "My One Temptation". She also recorded a popular version of the song "Where Is the Love" with American singer Will Downing.

Her second album, Contribution, was released in 1990. On this album, she mixed her soul and gospel style with hip-hop and house music. It even included a song called "If I Love U 2 Nite", which was written by the famous musician Prince.

Working with Other Artists

Throughout her career, Paris has worked with many famous musicians. She has recorded songs with artists like Anita Baker, Bonnie Raitt, and Natalie Cole. She also worked with saxophonist Courtney Pine and the group Stereo MCs.

Her third album, Whisper a Prayer (1993), had hit songs like "I Never Felt Like This Before". Later, she released the album Black Angel in 1998, which included a popular cover of the U2 song "One".

Over the years, she continued to collaborate with many stars, including David Gilmour from Pink Floyd, Jools Holland, Boy George, and Lemar.

Later Music and Performances

In 2009, Paris released her sixth album, Born Again. The first single from the album was written by singer James Morrison. Her most recent album, Gospel, came out in 2020.

In June 2022, Paris performed at a very special event called the Platinum Party at the Palace. This concert celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. She sang "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" alongside singers Nicola Roberts and Ruby Turner.

Work in TV, Radio, and Theatre

Television and Radio Host

Besides singing, Mica Paris is also a well-known presenter. In 2002, she hosted a BBC Radio 2 show called Soul Solutions. She also presented a TV documentary for Channel 4 called The Gospel of Gospel, which explored how church music influenced pop music.

From 2007, she was a co-host of the popular BBC show What Not to Wear. She has also appeared as a judge and guest on many other shows, such as Loose Women, The Michael Ball Show, and This Morning.

Acting Career

Paris is also a talented actress. In 2007, she played a jazz singer in an episode of the ITV series Marple. In 2020, she joined the cast of the famous BBC soap opera EastEnders, playing the role of Ellie Nixon.

Stage Performances

Paris has also performed in the theatre. In 1993, she starred in two shows in London's West End: Mama I Want to Sing and Sweet Lorraine. She has also toured the UK in plays and musicals, including The ... Monologues and Fame.

Personal Life and Charity

Mica Paris was born in Islington, London. She has two daughters. She is good friends with the American singer Chaka Khan, who is the godmother to her older daughter. Her cousin is the famous boxer Chris Eubank.

Paris is also known for her charity work. She supports charities that help homeless young people and is an ambassador for The Amy Winehouse Foundation. She also supports a police project called Operation Trident, which works to reduce violent crime. She became involved after her brother was a victim of a violent crime.

Honors and Awards

In 2003, Paris received a Gold Badge Award for her contribution to British entertainment. In 2004, she was named one of the 100 Great Black Britons.

In 2020, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to music, entertainment, and charity.

Discography

• So Good (1988)
• Contribution (1990)
• Whisper a Prayer (1993)
• Black Angel (1998)
• If You Could Love Me (2005)
• Soul Classics (2005)
• Born Again (2009)
• Gospel (2020)

See also

• List of black Britons
• List of performers on Top of the Pops
• List of former Island Records artists
• List of stage names