Dionne Bromfield, 30, says the Amy Winehouse everyone knew ‘was a caricature’ as she credits her late godmother for ‘opening doors that most people would never get’ after entering the music industry as a child

by

Before even turning sixteen, she’d already achieved an incredible amount: a record contract, two albums released one after the other, appearances on television, and the support of a godmother who’s won a Grammy Award.

For someone starting out in the music business, it’s hard to imagine a better experience. But looking back, Dionne Bromfield – now older, more mature, and approaching thirty – can really think about the ups and downs of her teenage years.

In 2009, the singer—then a 13-year-old student at the Sylvia Young Theatre School—was signed to Lioness Records. This label was created by Amy Winehouse and drew inspiration from her passion for Motown and neo-soul music.

Through a close bond with Amy Winehouse’s mother, Julie Din, Bromfield’s godmother played a key role in helping Winehouse gain the recognition she needed to start her career in the music industry.

She created opportunities for me that I likely wouldn’t have had otherwise, and I’m deeply thankful for that. I recognize that – I don’t believe I would have achieved the same success on my own,” Bromfield explained to Sunday Times Style.

I understood what initially got me this opportunity. But after that, I felt I had to really demonstrate that I was capable and could succeed on my own.

That internal struggle has always been a part of who I am, and I’m learning to accept it so I can move on with my life.

September 14th marks fifteen years since Amy Winehouse tragically passed away at the age of 27. Her godson, Bromfield, remembers her with affection, even though her last years were deeply affected by struggles with addiction.

It’s strange, but the Amy everyone else sees feels like a different person to me. When I look at pictures of her now, it almost feels like I’m looking at an exaggerated imitation, not the real her.

Bromfield recalls Amy Winehouse as someone very down-to-earth – not the glamorous performer, but the woman with her hair simply tied up, either cleaning or just casually complaining. He especially remembers her being relaxed and chatting about everyday things while cooking.

I always knew my grandmother was a bit of a genius! She absolutely loved the show Countdown – whenever it was on, she’d be right there, mentally trying to solve the numbers game. It was so fun to watch her brain work!

Amy Winehouse took on a mentoring role with Bromfield, helping her choose songs and providing emotional support as a godmother would.

I remember once, I was practically begging Amy to listen to something I’d made. I was so nervous, I literally said, ‘Please, Amy, tell me if this is terrible!’ And she didn’t hold back – she just straight-up said it was awful. It was brutal, but honestly, I needed that honesty from her!

‘And picking up the phone and being able to say, “Guess what this boy has done to me.”‘ 

As someone who’s observed the entertainment world for a long time, and having released my first album nearly twenty years ago – and my last one fifteen years ago – I’ve really developed a broader perspective on how things work. It’s given me a chance to step back and think about the industry as a whole, rather than just being in it.

‘I’ve seen the highs of the highs, I’ve seen the lows of the lows,’ she said. 

I was recently asked what the most important thing I learned from growing up as a child star. My answer was, ‘Realizing I thought everyone was a friend.’

‘When things slow down, the friendships go as well.’ 

As someone who keeps a close eye on the entertainment world, I was really surprised to hear that Rebecca Bromfield spoke out recently. She was understandably upset that the BRIT Awards didn’t include her late godmother in their tribute segment, and she wasn’t afraid to voice her disappointment. It’s always tough when someone feels a meaningful moment wasn’t acknowledged, and I admire her for speaking up.

Record producer Mark Ronson honored the late singer, who passed away in 2011, by performing their collaborative song, “Back to Black,” and sharing a video of her.

Bromfield stated the recognition served as a painful reminder of the challenges she’s faced for years, explaining that individuals within the music industry had attempted to hinder her career.

She explained that seeing so many artists she cared about celebrated musically, while she was excluded, felt like a personal offense – and, more significantly, a disrespect to Amy and everything she stood for.

Let me be clear: my motivation wasn’t about attention or appearances. It’s about something far more important than that.

Ever since Amy died, I’ve struggled to advance my career because of complicated relationships with people in and around the industry. It’s been really hard to move on.

Amy consistently supported my musical journey, even when others disagreed with her choices. After her death, it became obvious how much she had done for me, as opportunities suddenly disappeared and people actively worked to hold me back.

She explained that last night’s BRIT Awards weren’t defined by a single event, but instead highlighted a long-standing issue she’s been facing.

As a longtime fan, it really stung to see so many artists Amy loved celebrated in a musical tribute without including me – and honestly, it felt like a disrespect not just to my work, but even more so to Amy herself and everything she stood for. It just didn’t feel right.

I generally prefer to keep personal issues private, but there comes a point where you just have to address things that are bothering you. Everyone has a limit, and sometimes speaking up is necessary.

Read More

2026-04-21 18:40