Grammy-nominated UK music sensation Craig David has revealed the one person he always turns to for honest feedback on his songs: his mum, Tina.
A Mother's Honest Opinion
The 44-year-old singer-songwriter, who shot to fame with his hit 'Fill Me In' in 2000, credits his mother, a retail assistant, with playing an integral role in his hugely successful career. In a heartfelt interview, David explained that his mum's reaction is the ultimate litmus test for his new music.
"You want your mum to be honest because she's the only person who can be that honest," the artist told The Sun. "I always send her my new songs and ask her what she thinks. I know with her that it'll be the reaction time."
David, who is an only child, described his process: "If it's quick, like, 'Oh my God, that's the one', I know it is good. If she is slower, I'm like, 'I know you hate it'. But she is my biggest supporter."
The Pivotal Top Of The Pops Moment
Reflecting on his career breakthrough, David pinpointed a particularly emotional moment: taking his mother to Top Of The Pops for the first time.
"For me, it was taking my mum to Top Of The Pops for the first time," he recalled. "It was one of the most amazing experiences because we watched it all these years together. And then all of a sudden, you're in the crowd watching your son on stage. I'm looking at her, she's looking at me. We're looking at each other and I'm just like, 'Wow'."
This foundational support system began in the family home in Southampton, where a young Craig would jot down lyrics and melodies in his bedroom before seeking his mum's opinion.
Overcoming Childhood Challenges
Despite describing his childhood as "warm", the chart-topping star wasn't immune to hardship. David recently disclosed that he was a target for bullies during his school years in Southampton, Hampshire.
Speaking on the BBC's Imposter Syndrome, he shared a traumatic memory: "I remember one time walking down the corridor and one of the older boys, two years above me, just pushed me into the corner and asked me what money I had."
He revealed this became a regular occurrence, happening "every day in that same corridor", even in the presence of teachers. David described how the experience "lodged itself as a trauma".
A Lasting Musical Legacy
Craig David's career has seen remarkable success since his debut. In a single year, both 'Fill Me In' and '7 Days' topped the UK charts, cementing his status as a premier UK artist.
Following a return to the spotlight in 2017, the singer has embarked on four tours, including last year's 7 Days Commitment Tour North America. Through all the fame and accolades, his mother's opinion remains the constant he relies upon, proving that for this superstar, family always comes first.
