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The Garage Goddess Returns: Talking 20 Years Of Music With Sabrina Washington

When Mis-Teeq burst into the UK mainstream music scene in 2001, I instantly fell in love. 

Here were four women of black heritage – Sabrina Washington, Alesha Dixon, Su-Elise Nash and Zena McNally – who had it all. They were gorgeous, talented and dripping in that older-cousin-who-knows-how-to-party-swagger that money couldn’t buy. 

Add to that their unique music style – a mix of sultry R&B and classic UK garage (UKG), with a dash of ‘pop’ – and it’s easy to see how Mis-Teeq were one of the most successful groups of the noughties, selling over 12 million records worldwide.

Sabrina Washington was my favourite member. As a 14 year old dark-skinned girl from north west London, she represented my possible future life as a successful, super-sexy twenty-something, rocking my melanin and north west London roots with pride.  

So imagine my excitement when, 20 years later, I’m scrolling through my Twitter timeline and stumble across a tweet by Ms Washington teasing her new track ‘Don’t Call Me’ (released last Friday).

I wasn’t the only one ready for the Garage Goddess’ return. Fans were fawning over the 14 second video in their droves. 

 “I think people like it because it’s got that old school UKG sound that everyone loves but it also sounds current. It’s garage 2.0,” says Sabrina.

“The pandemic has left people yearning to go back to a time where they had no worries. They want something to make them smile and give them energy. Music gives you that escape, especially UKG as it’s all about good vibes.”