JADE opens up about embracing Arab heritage, transitioning to solo career after Little Mix

Jade Thirlwall, former member of Little Mix, has shared her experiences with embracing her Arab heritage and navigating her solo career. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone UK, Thirlwall revealed that she had initially been reluctant to open up about her Egyptian and Yemeni roots during her time in the chart-topping girl group. The singer explained that she had always encountered negative stereotypes about Arab people in the media, which made her fearful of promoting her heritage. Reflecting on this, she expressed regret, saying, "I feel sad for my younger self that I could’ve been the representation I needed back then. I try to make up for that now."

Since launching her solo career in 2024, Thirlwall has become more open about her heritage and her journey towards self-empowerment. She has started learning Arabic to reconnect with her roots, something she mentioned earlier this year. This personal growth has also influenced her music, with the release of two solo singles, "Angel of My Dreams" and "Fantasy."

Thirlwall also discussed the challenges she faced as she transitioned from being part of a successful band to standing on her own. “I didn’t know how to be a woman in my own right,” she admitted. The break from Little Mix left her feeling "lost," and it took time for her to regain a sense of independence and control over her decisions.

Despite these struggles, Thirlwall is determined to use her platform to inspire others, particularly those who may have felt alienated due to their backgrounds. Her story highlights her personal and professional evolution, both in terms of embracing her cultural identity and charting her own path in the music industry.