Daughter of ‘80s Pop Star Fires Back at ‘Nepo Baby’ Allegations originally appeared on Parade.
It used to be called “going into the family business,” but with the new generations, it is seen as something else: nepotism. In the eyes of fans, these rising stars—children of established filmmakers, actors, musicians, and producers—utilize their parents’ affluence and wealth to gain an advantage in their artistic careers, earning the label of “nepo baby.”
Mabel, the singer who had a top 5 U.K. hit with “Don’t Call Me Up” in 2019, has fired back at those who would dub her such. Yes, the 29-year-old is the daughter of music producer Cameron McVey and ’80s pop star and rapper Neneh Cherry (who is also the stepdaughter of jazz legend Don Cherry). But Mabel said she earned her success.
“I work hard every day,” said Mabel on the July 23 episode of Michael Dapaah’s Comfortably Speaking. “It was like a play on everything, really, the expectations I’ve always had of myself. I’m still so hard on myself, and I work really hard at it every day. I try to be kinder to myself, but…initially about the things that I felt about myself and the expectations I had set for myself from a super young age.”
“And then, also about like coming from a family of musicians, maybe the expectations that people had of me, good or bad,” she explained. “They’re like ‘oh well you’re a nepo baby so like you’re [explicative] basically.'”
Mabel’s mother, Neneh Cherry, also got a start on music at a young age. She befriended members of the U.K. punk band The Slits, joining them and other groups, such as New Age Steppers and Rip Rig + Panic.
In the late ’80s, she launched her solo career with her debut album, Raw Like Sushi. Her single, “Buffalo Stance,” peaked at No. 3 on the U.K. Singles Chart and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Neneh also had success with singles “Manchild,” “Kisses on the Wind,” and “Woman.”
Cameron McVey is a singer, songwriter, and producer who has worked with acts such as Massive Attack, Portishead, and All Saints. He also produced Neneh’s first three albums.
Mabel released a self-titled EP on July 25, her first project since 2022’s About Last Night.
Related: Famous Nepo Baby To Receive “Generous Cash Payout” in Billion-Dollar Deal
Daughter of ‘80s Pop Star Fires Back at ‘Nepo Baby’ Allegations first appeared on Parade on Jul 25, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
