Tameko Star, the singer best known as the voice of Livin' Joy's hit song 'Don't Stop Movin', has opened up about the highs and lows of becoming one of the biggest dance music stars of the 1990s. Speaking to the Daily Mirror in an interview published on 15 June, the performer reflected on the excitement of her career, the pressure of sudden fame, and the hurt caused by one tabloid headline.
The singer, who is preparing to return to the stage as part of the Originals Live Tour, said she now looks back at that period with more understanding. While she remembers packed venues and cheering fans, she also admits she did not fully realise how much fame had changed her life until years later.
Fame Moved Faster Than Tameko Star Could Understand
Star said life during Livin' Joy's biggest years felt like one long journey from one stage to another. She remembered travelling almost every day between shows, interviews and hotels, with little time to stop and think about what was happening around her.
Looking back, she said she believed 'Don't Stop Movin' would become a hit even before it was released. She narrated that after writing the final word of the song, she had a strong feeling that it would connect with people in a special way.
That belief proved right. Released in 1996, 'Don't Stop Movin' became one of the defining dance tracks of the decade, reaching No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart and helping Livin' Joy gain international success, according to the Official Charts Company.
A Busy Career Brought Unforgettable Moments
One of Star's strongest memories came after performing several concerts in a single day. She recalled finishing a major appearance at London's Royal Albert Hall before rushing to more shows later that night.
She said she fell asleep in the van between venues because she was so tired. Moments later, someone woke her just before she was due on stage, leaving her no time to fix her make-up before performing again.
Despite feeling exhausted, she said everything changed as soon as she heard the audience calling for Livin' Joy. Star explained that she stepped onto the stage and delivered what she still considers one of her best live performances.
Singer Addresses Tabloid Story That Stayed With Her
Although many memories from the 1990s are happy ones, Star admitted one newspaper story stayed with her for years. She revealed that a tabloid once described her as a 'harlot', a word she found both surprising and unfair.
She said she knew the claim was not true and believed that her actions would always matter more than gossip. Instead of responding publicly, she chose to let her behaviour speak for itself.
Star also laughed while remembering another story that linked her romantically with singer Peter Andre after the pair worked together. She recalled mysterious messages appearing on her hotel television and joked that she wondered whether they had come from him, although she never found out.
'Originals Live Tour' Marks New Chapter
Star is now preparing to perform as part of the Originals Live Tour, which begins in Spain before ending with a headline appearance at Gran Canaria Winter Pride later this year. The tour also features fellow dance music artists Kelly Overett of Cappella and Eve Goffin of Lasgo.
The performances will give fans another chance to hear many of the dance hits that helped shape the 1990s club scene. Star said she still enjoys connecting with audiences and feels the music continues to bring people together.
While she appreciates the memories of her biggest years, she believes her story is still being written. With fresh confidence and a new tour ahead, Star says her best chapter may still be waiting.
