Tameko Star, the powerhouse voice behind one of the biggest dance anthems of the 90s, reflects on the whirlwind of fame and her journey since. As the voice of Livin' Joy, she helped define an era of euphoric club classics. Now, decades later, she is still moving, creating, and living up to the name that made her famous. Catching up with us, she opens up about fame, freedom, and why her best chapter might still be ahead.
Memories of 'Don't Stop Movin''
When asked what memories come flooding back when she hears 'Don't Stop Movin',' Tameko recalls a total whirlwind: planes, trains, automobiles, hotels, press, shows, and more shows. She remembers the lights, the stages, and crowds smiling back at her, mouthing every word. 'The funny thing is, I literally didn't stop moving. That was my dream in motion. It was everything I imagined and more. I was living pure joy. Yes, pun absolutely intended.'
Knowing the Song Would Be Huge
Tameko admits she had a sense that Livin' Joy would become huge. 'When I wrote the last word of Don't Stop Movin',' she says, 'something shifted. It wasn't just belief… it was a know. I felt it before the world heard it.'
Craziest Moment of the 90s
Reflecting on the wild 90s pop era, Tameko shares a crazy moment: 'I had three shows in one night after already performing at a huge show at the Royal Albert Hall earlier that day. I was beyond exhausted. I fell asleep in the van… Then suddenly, in the middle of the night, the door flies open and someone grabs my hand yelling, 'You're on now!' No time to freshen up. My lashes were literally stuck to my face from the sweat of the last show. I'm being rushed up the stairs, barely coherent… And then I hear 'LIVIN' JOY!' Something just clicked. I transformed instantly, walked on stage, probably with smeared lipstick and eyeliner, and gave one of the best performances of my life.'
Fun Moments with Peter Andre
There were also funny moments. Tameko recalls opening for Peter Andre, and a local paper linked them, suggesting he had a crush on her. 'Not long after that, I started getting these cryptic messages popping up on my hotel TV, just 'Hi, how are you?' with no name attached. I remember thinking, was that you, Peter? It was such a fun time. We were young, surrounded by energy and opportunity, but I stayed focused. I had my mum with me on tour, so I kept my feet on the ground.'
Missing Fame or Happier Now?
When asked if she misses that level of fame, Tameko says both are true. 'I miss the energy of that time but I don't think I fully understood what was happening to me. The fame, the access, the way people just wanted a moment with you, I didn't fully grasp it. What I did understand was the impact I was having. And today, I still feel that, just in a deeper, more personal way.'
Coping with Pressure
Fame in the 90s was intense, but Tameko says 'ignorance was bliss.' 'Everything was moving so fast, I didn't really have time to process pressure. I just lived in the moment, trusted the process, and counted my blessings.'
Being Called a Harlot
Tameko reveals a moment when a tabloid called her a harlot. 'I remember thinking, do people even still use that word? But I knew it wasn't true. And I believed the way I carried myself would always speak louder than headlines. I think it did.'
Looking Back and Learning
Looking back, Tameko would have taken time to understand the business side more. 'There are things I'm learning now that I wish I had known then, and that has been a tough realisation. But it has also made me stronger and smarter.'
Secret to Looking Incredible
When complimented on her appearance, Tameko credits never stopping dancing, creating, or dreaming. 'It's more than lotions and creams. Doing what you love is self care. Passion is the real fountain of youth, and peace of mind doesn't hurt either.'
Feeling Stronger Now
Tameko feels stronger now than ever. 'Before, all of my talent came naturally to me, I didn't fully realise my value. Now I do. I'm more self-aware, more grounded, and more protective of what I bring to the table. And I have learned that no is a complete sentence.'
The Originals Live Tour hits the road this month, starting in Spain and ending with a headline appearance at Gran Canaria's Winter Pride in November. See www.originalslive.co.uk/tickets.
