Jennie Matthias, first burst onto the pop scene in the well loved 80's all-girl band The Belle Stars back in 1981 following the break-up of The Bodysnatchers, another all-girl band who released two ska singles 'Let's Do Rock Steady' and 'Easy Life' on the legendary 2-Tone record label.
\nThe Belle Stars became a well known gigging band, unusual by today's standards, and in 1981 finally signed to another legendary record label Stiff Records, known for their quirky and innovative marketing ideas.
\nFollowing the release of three original singles Hiawatha, Slick Trick and Another Latin Love Song they finally scored their first Top 40 UK chart hit with 'Iko Iko' in 1982, a cover version of the 60's classic by The Dixie Cups.
\nFor many years now Jennie has performed and recorded tracks with various artists while continuing to work with disadvantaged children. She used her poetry to raise awareness of issues that are important to her and her poem 'Scag Man' was made into an animated movie to help young people become more aware of the dangers of drugs.
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\nJennie is also the founder of S-teem, a project developed to help young people make better-informed choices about their lives and she received an Intermix Positive Contribution Award in 2003 for her work with young people.