Charli XCX’s Parents Gave Her a Loan for Her First Album

Pop star Charli XCX has captivated audiences with her unique sound and unapologetic style. Behind her soaring success lies the unwavering support of her doting parents, who played an instrumental role in her musical journey.

From providing a crucial loan to jumpstart her music career to nurturing her creativity from an early age, Charli XCX was fortunate to have devoted parents by her side. Their loving encouragement and positive influence have been a driving force propelling her toward stardom.

Her mother’s struggles have also left an indelible mark on her, motivating her to give her all in pursuit of her dreams. Before becoming the pop star she is today, Charli XCX was raised as an only child, basking in her parents’ positive influence and affection.

Charli XCX’s parents played a crucial role in shaping her character, work ethic, and passion for music. Her Scottish father, Jon Aitchison, was adopted into a working-class family, while her mother, Shameera, is a Ugandan Indian who faced expulsion by dictator Idi Amin in the 1970s.

Jon used to be an entrepreneur, while Shameera was a nurse and later a flight attendant. He met Shameera at a club, where he worked as a promoter. The couple built their lives from scratch, influencing Charli’s DIY ethos.

The songwriter’s early musical influences were also shaped by her parents’ diverse tastes and her own explorations. Her mother often listened to artists like Bread and The Monkees, and her father liked ELO.

Charli recalls her mother playing music from the band Bread during their drives to school. She found them cool and continued to enjoy their music even as she explored other genres and artists that resonated with her.

With the freedom to discover her own musical interests, Charli was led to artists like Britney Spears and the Spice Girls during her younger years. She specifically credited Brtiney with sparking her interest in writing music.

Charli’s love of music drove her to strike a deal with her father to kickstart her music career.

As a teenager, Charli delved into headbanger music, becoming particularly interested in artists like Alfie, Feeds, and Sebastian himself. This period inspired her to create her music, and she began making music while attending warehouse parties where she would perform her work.

In 2007, she got a loan from her parents to create her first album, “14.” However, she views this album as more of an “experiment” rather than a formal start to her career. Charlie recalled:

“I don’t count that as the beginning of my career. But whatever. Everyone did embarrassing [expletive] when they were 14. My mistakes just live online for everyone to hear.”

Charli’s mom, Shameera, grew up in Kampala, Uganda, as part of an ethnically Indian family that faced hardships under Idi Amin’s rule. Forced to leave the country, they were only allowed to take a limited amount of money.

Ingeniously, they hid extra money inside toothpaste tubes to ensure financial security during their journey to a new life. In 1972, about 70,000 Asians, including Charli’s mother, were forced to flee Uganda within 90 days.

These Indians had been brought to Uganda during British rule to build railways, and some had become influential in the country’s economy, leading to resentment from Uganda’s former leader. Around 30,000 Asians, mostly with British passports, sought refuge in the UK.

Charli’s mother and her family arrived at Stansted and were shocked by the snowfall. Shameera had never experienced snow before and was unprepared for proper winter clothing.

Shameera’s determination and resilience helped her navigate the challenges of moving to the UK. Charli said she is inspired by her mother’s story of overcoming adversity and feels lucky to have a mom like her.

Charli’s parents supported her passion for music from a young age. When she began performing in raves at just 15, her parents drove her from their home in Bishop’s Stortford to Hackney warehouses and patiently waited to go home with her afterward.

Charli’s love of music drove her to strike a deal with her father to kickstart her music career. She approached her dad and expressed her earnest desire to go to a studio and pursue her musical aspirations. Her supportive father lent her the money she needed.

She was determined to repay her father as soon as possible. When she eventually signed her record deal, she wasted no time fulfilling her promise, promptly paying him back.

The musician knows the unwavering support of Jon and Shameera, allowing her to fearlessly showcase her boldness and fearlessness as a performer, even with their presence. She didn’t let it hold her back from embracing her artistry at her raves, where she would express herself freely, even if that meant taking off her clothes.