Speaking literally moments after her late-night performance at Skybar, Ashanti puts to rest those Black Eyed Peas rumours and promises new solo material is on the way.
You just stepped off the Skybar stage, how did it go?
It was amazing, there is so much energy despite it being so late...what time is it right now?
4am...
It's four in the morning? There was so much energy considering the time. This is my first time in Abu Dhabi and it is so amazing.
A lot of people are talking about you. Rumour has it you will replace Fergie and join The Black Eyed Peas.
Oh man those rumours! They really took me off-guard.
So are they just that? Or is it a case of watching this space?
I say don't believe what you hear.
You are a work-horse, doing albums, television, modelling and, most recently, theatre....
And touring...I just came back from Asia. We have been on tour for a month and then I was given a call to come here, so I flew to Canada and flew on right here. The whole thing feels like an extension of this Asian tour and the crowds are lovely, there is always a lot of energy.
Ever fear you are spreading yourself too thin?
No, I think it's important to have other lanes. You can't put all your eggs in one basket in music; you must do films, books, TV, endorsements...whatever your talents are, you have to maximise your brand and keep moving, reinventing yourself and keep the fans motivated.
I read that we should expect new Ashanti material next year?
As soon as I get off the plane from here I am going to the studio to do final touches on the record. I have my own record label now called Written Entertainment so there are a lot of good things coming soon.
