“What’s meant for you is yours,” Eve says at one point during our conversation. It’s a phrase she signs off every email with. It’s a simple maxim, but a rare reminder in modern life to pause, breathe and trust that things work out the way they’re supposed to.
If you’ve grown up anywhere near Black music — US rap, UK rap, R&B, Afrobeats — Eve has probably been somewhere in the background of your life. A verse you knew word-for-word. A music video ingrained in your mind. A voice that’s been part of the soundtrack for years.
This year, the ‘Who’s That Girl?’ singer will step onto the stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live to co-host the MOBO Awards alongside Eddie Kadi, as the ceremony marks its 30th anniversary. It feels like a natural fit. The MOBOs have always been about celebrating the artists shaping Black music and culture, and Eve, three decades into her own career, is still part of that conversation.
Speaking with HUNGER ahead of the show, she reflects on longevity, getting dropped from her first record deal, the creative fear of being “put in a box”, and the unexpected lessons of motherhood.
You’re hosting the MOBO Awards this year with Eddie Kadi, and it’s the 30th anniversary — such a huge moment. How are you feeling stepping into it?
I’m excited. I haven’t hosted in a while. I’ve done bits in the States, but not much on this side, so I’m looking forward to it. And doing it with Eddie, who’s hosted before helps, as I can take his lead a little. I love Manchester. The energy is always amazing. The MOBOs I’ve been to as an audience member have been incredible, so I know the night’s going to be special.
When you look at UK music right now, what feels exciting to you? Who’s representing?
It’s been consistently growing for years now, especially hip-hop. Coming from the States, it took a minute for UK hip-hop to really find its footing, but now it’s incredible. I’m looking at the nominees and, honestly, everyone deserves to be there. I love Little Simz — I love her so much. Of course Central Cee, and so many others. It’s going to be a strong night.
People see you as a real icon — I’m trying not to fangirl too much right now. With so much legacy, how do you stop that from boxing you in creatively?
That’s very nice, but I genuinely don’t think of myself like that. I also get bored easily. And the idea of being boxed in? That actually scares me. I don’t believe in the box. If you’re a creative, you can be good at many things. What keeps me open is constantly trying and learning. That’s the key.
Is there a belief or mindset you’ve carried throughout your career that still grounds you now?
Yes — what’s meant for you is yours. I’ve lived by that. I breathe it, I sign off my emails with it, everyone who knows me knows it. It’s simple, but it’s a reminder to pause, take a breath and focus on what you really want. Then go for it.
You’ve lived so many artistic lives — music, acting, TV. Which space feels like home right now?
I honestly don’t know. I feel lucky that I can dip in and out of different worlds. Music is my first love and always will be — it gives me everything. But even stepping into this MOBO role, I love showing that side of me too. Right now I’m in a weird limbo where I don’t have any set projects, which is actually nice. No deadlines. I get to float a little.
For the next generation watching you, what do you want them to understand about longevity?
Be open to the pivot. Yes, have a vision for your life — but be flexible. We create these rigid plans for ourselves, but life has its own ideas. Sometimes opportunities show up in ways you didn’t expect. Don’t be afraid to take that left turn.
Was there a moment in your career that felt like a setback but ended up propelling you forward?
Absolutely. The biggest one was the first time I got signed… and then dropped. That was huge. I thought, ‘Wait, wasn’t that my moment?’ Being sent home forced me to face myself. I needed that humility. If I hadn’t been dropped, I wouldn’t have had the time to figure out what kind of artist I wanted to be, or how much work I was willing to put in if I ever got another chance. Failure is part of success. It’s cliché, but it’s true. Sometimes it’s just life showing you another way, or giving you the time to build a better plan.
Is there anything you’re unlearning right now?
Oh, loads. Having my son, I’m unlearning what discipline looks like. I grew up in a very strict ‘don’t talk unless spoken to’ household. I’m not a soft-parenting person and my child is not a soft-parenting child — but I do want him to feel like he can come to me with anything, even the worst thing. I don’t want him to fear me. So I’m unlearning some of the ideas of authority and parenthood that were passed down to me.
Kids really push every button you didn’t even know you had, don’t they?
They push all the buttons — and create new ones! But seeing the world through their eyes is amazing. It makes me unlearn my own worldview too.
Has motherhood changed the way you approach your art?
In some ways, yes. A lot of it is about time — how much time I spend away from him, or whether he can come with me. That affects what I say yes or no to. For example, I love acting, but I don’t want to take any big acting jobs until he’s older and in school. I want the hours where I’m not worrying. So yes, motherhood definitely shapes the choices I make.
Is there something the world hasn’t seen from you yet, but should?
There are a few things — some business ventures I’m working on now. I finally have the time to do them, and I’m excited. It’s giving me butterflies, which feels good. I can’t say too much yet, but when people see it, they’ll go, ‘Yeah, that makes sense for her’. TBC… soon!
For tickets for the MOBO Awards, visit mobo.com
- WriterCherelle Chambers
- Image CreditsZoe McConnell
