Mabel, 29, hits back at nepo baby claims as she admits ‘I work hard every day’ in candid interview about growing up with her famous parents

She’s the daughter of eighties pop star Neneh Cherry and legendary producer Cameron McVey.

Recently, Mabel has consistently maintained that she’s built a prosperous music career on her own merits, without the aid of her well-known parents.

In her recent chat with Michael Dapaah on Comfortably Speaking, the artist has firmly stood by her assertions of being a “nepo baby,” emphasizing her dedication to working tirelessly each day.

Mabel, aged 29, expressed: “It felt like a performance of all my self-imposed expectations.

I continue to be overly critical of myself, striving for improvement daily. I aim to show more self-compassion, yet my self-perception and the high standards I’ve held since childhood have been significant factors in this self-judgment.

Additionally, the influence of hailing from a lineage of musicians might have imposed certain expectations, positive or negative, on me – is this clear to you?

‘People either expect less from you because you’re a nepotism case, or they dismiss your work entirely, saying something like “you’re not very good because you’re a nepo baby”, do you understand what I mean?’

The singer, full name Mabel Alabama-Pearl McVey has long been surrounded by musical royalty.

Her mother, Neneh (age 61), gained popularity through her 1989 album titled “Raw Like Sushi” and the songs “Buffalo Stance” and “Manchild.

Mabel’s father Cameron, 68, is a legendary producer behind acts like Massive Attack and All Saints.

In my journey as a lifestyle expert, I’ve shared many stories, but one that stands out is my personal struggle during my twenties that almost led me to abandon my music career altogether.

She explained: ‘Maintaining the pace proved too challenging for me, almost to the point where my cherished connection with music – something I hold very dear – could have been compromised or even lost, as it became virtually unattainable.’

In my view, I can’t produce an original, genuine work consistently, as it’s inherent to the nature of our profession.

To produce an authentic item consistently, it’s crucial that you maintain your well-being and have sufficient energy for life, ensuring you can manage this task every two months.

In addition, you’re around the age of twenty, navigating life as we all do, since it can be challenging to understand oneself and one’s purpose.

2017 saw Mabel gaining significant attention with her smash hit Finders Keepers, followed by her first full-length album High Expectations, which became platinum in 2019. In the year 2020, she was honored with the Brit Award for the category of British Female Solo Artist.

2018 saw Neneh discussing her approach to guiding her daughter Mabel in the world of music, expressing deep admiration for her.

In an interview with the Evening Standard Magazine, the singer discussed the young woman’s achievements at age 21, reminisced about her experiences as a mother, and confessed that she hadn’t always been open to emotions.

She said: ‘Mabel is unbelievable and so focused and it’s hard out there. 

Occasionally, she rises from bed and engages in multiple daily sessions, leaving me astounded. In an effort to assist her with everyday motherly tasks, such as preparing a packed lunch for her, I try to offer my support.

Mabel previously insisted she doesn’t want her parents’ help when it comes to her own music career.

In her teenage years, she confided in a publication that she had this desire to pursue music. However, she admitted feeling an unusual sense of embarrassment due to her family background. She often pondered, “Will others ever regard me as someone capable and sincere?

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2025-07-23 22:18

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