British pop sensation Mabel has opened up about the ongoing debate surrounding her status as a so-called 'nepo baby'—a term used to describe children who benefit from their parents' fame in the entertainment industry.
In a candid interview, the 27-year-old singer, whose mother is legendary musician Neneh Cherry and stepfather is producer Cameron McVey, addressed claims that her success is solely due to her family connections.
'I've Worked Hard for Everything'
Mabel, whose full name is Mabel Alabama-Pearl McVey, insisted that while she acknowledges her privileged upbringing, her achievements in music are the result of dedication and hard work.
'Of course I'm aware of the advantages I've had,' she admitted. 'But I've spent years honing my craft, writing songs, and performing. No one hands you success—you have to earn it.'
The Pressure of Famous Parents
The 'Don't Call Me Up' hitmaker revealed that having famous parents actually created additional pressure to prove herself. 'There's this expectation that you'll be just as talented, or that everything comes easy,' she explained. 'But the truth is, I've had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.'
Mabel's mother, Neneh Cherry, rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like 'Buffalo Stance', while her stepfather Cameron McVey has produced for major artists including All Saints and Sugababes.
Breaking Free from the 'Nepo Baby' Label
The singer, who recently released her sophomore album 'About Last Night', spoke about her journey to establish her own identity in the music industry. 'Early in my career, people would just see me as Neneh's daughter,' she recalled. 'But now, when people talk about my music, they talk about me—and that's all I've ever wanted.'
Mabel's comments come amid growing discussions about privilege in the entertainment industry, with many questioning whether children of celebrities have an unfair advantage.
What do you think about the 'nepo baby' debate? Does having famous parents guarantee success, or is talent and hard work still the deciding factor?
