Mel C reflects on Spice Girls’ lasting impact

Melanie Chisholm, known professionally as Mel C, has praised the “incredible legacy” of the Spice Girls, saying the group gave a generation of young people a sense of empowerment through its “girl power” message.

Melanie Chisholm, known professionally as Mel C, has praised the “incredible legacy” of the Spice Girls, saying the group gave a generation of young people a sense of empowerment through its “girl power” message.

The singer, known to fans as Sporty Spice, also discussed how changes in the digital music industry have made it harder for artists to maintain long-term success.

In an interview with the Press Association, Chisholm said: “I feel so grateful that I’m part of that incredible legacy.”

The Spice Girls rose to international fame in the 1990s with hits including Wannabe. The group also featured Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell-Horner, Melanie Brown and Emma Bunton.

“What the Spice Girls did for young people… We gave a whole generation girl power, which is a very beautiful thing. We gave them somewhere to feel like they belonged. We gave people the courage to go and be themselves, whatever that was,” Chisholm said.

She added that the group’s music was another important part of its legacy.

“Aside from that, the music is amazing and I think sometimes we forget what incredible songs we have as the Spice Girls. History has been made, and I feel very lucky that I was a part of it,” she said.

Chisholm has also pursued a career as a solo artist and DJ since finding fame with the group. She said becoming a DJ had changed her approach to music.

“I think my whole perspective on music changed a lot when I became a DJ.

“I’ve been out there for so many years as an artist playing Spice Girls songs and my own solo work. As a DJ, you can play anyone and anything you want to.

“It’s given me the opportunity to see how other people’s music affects a dance floor and audience – which has made me approach music quite differently in the studio.”

Reflecting on the digital age, Chisholm said the constant availability of new music could make it harder for artists and their work to hold the public’s attention.

“I think it makes it more difficult to have longevity. I think our appetite is that we want something new constantly, and we don’t fully appreciate what we have.

“We are exposed to so much now so quickly – sometimes things have a moment and pass by so quickly. We don’t fully appreciate things.”