Jill Scott says art, family and mystery have shaped her music and acting

In a recent interview, R&B singer and actor Jill Scott reflected on how art, family and a taste for mystery have influenced her life and work, recounting a childhood memory that helped change her perspective. Scott said she was taken as a child to a go-go bar by her mother’s ex-husband and that her mother responded by barring her from the venue and introducing her to art, opera and ballet instead.

"Art can get you through things," she told the interviewer, advising people to cry or laugh as hard as they can and to hold on to joy. She discussed themes in her music, calling songs such as A Long Walk and Don’t Play tutorials about intimacy and connection. Scott said social media has made intimacy more performative and stressed the difference between "making love" and "screwing," adding that her mother was always open about sex and that she will continue to sing about real-life subjects.

On acting, Scott recalled enjoying her role in The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency and said plans shifted after the deaths of producer Sydney Pollack and director Anthony Minghella. She said she would do more acting only if it is something she really wants and with a director who will guide, trust and test her.

She also described joining viral street performer DJ AG in Camden after seeing him on social media and enjoying performing for people on the street.

Key Topics

Culture, Jill Scott, Mma Ramotswe, Dj Ag, Sydney Pollack, Anthony Minghella