GABRIELLE
Screenwriter • Actress • Director • Author
Iconic music sensation and Hackney native Gabrielle’s soulful voice won her the title of Britain's most recognisable musical artists. The songwriter’s debut chart-topper proved for the former schoolgirl that dreams really do come true!
Gabrielle is an award-winning songwriter and singer whose distinctive voice and soulful songwriting have made her a music legend. As one of Britain’s most celebrated voices, Gabrielle’s extraordinary journey began in the streets of Hackney, born into a Dominican household, she was immersed in music from a young age, with her mother exposing her to soul and reggae, shaping her eclectic musical tastes.
After leaving school, Gabrielle wrote Dreams as a poem in her diary. She later signed with Go! Beat, and the song was released as her debut single in 1993. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks, launching her trailblazing career. Her achievements include two BRIT Awards and MOBO Awards.
Why Hackney Matters
Hackney forms part of the story of where Gabrielle’s musical journey began. Her story shows how local experiences and creative expression can lay the foundations for a career that reaches far beyond where it began, reminding us that no dream is too big to achieve.
Did You Know?
Gabrielle’s original recording of Dreams featured a sample of Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car, which could not be cleared. The track was re-recorded without it before its official release.