Rowetta

Rowetta
Rowetta performing at Manchester Pride 2010
Background information
Birth name	Rowetta Idah
Born	(1966-01-05) 5 January 1966 (age 51) Manchester, England
Genres	R&B, pop, soul, rock
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1987–present
Labels	Factory, Elektra, Gut, Haçienda
Associated acts	Happy Mondays, The Black Eyed Peas, Peter Hook and The Light
Website	Rowetta.com

Rowetta Idah (born 5 January 1966 in Manchester), also known as Rowetta or Rowetta Satchell, is an English singer. She is best known for her work with the Happy Mondays, recording and touring with the band from 1991–2000 and recently reforming with the original lineup. Her 1989 track "Reach Out" has been sampled by Steve Angello & Laidback Luke, Todd Terry and many more including The Black Eyed Peas on their huge hit "Boom Boom Pow". She was also the last lady standing finishing fourth in the first series of The X Factor in 2004.

Rowetta was born to an English mother of Jewish origin and a Nigerian father, politician George Idah, who left the family when she was three. She realised her singing ability after winning a talent competition at the age of twelve. She attended Bury Grammar School, and after completing her secondary education worked as a professional singer. In 1987, Rowetta released two singles with the Vanilla Sound Corps. She also lent her voice to Inner City songs. During this time, she released two songs: "Back Where We Belong" and "Passion". In 1988 she collaborated with Dynasty of 2 on the single "Stop This Thing". She worked as a backing singer on numerous albums including Simply Red's 1991 album Stars. Rowetta is the voice on the renowned 1989 track "Reach Out" with Sweet Mercy. The track has been sampled by many, including Laidback Luke, Slam, Steve Angello and Todd Terry, and was remixed and re-released in 2008, leading to a sample of her voice featuring throughout The Black Eyed Peas hit "Boom Boom Pow".