Liz Mitchell is widely recognized as the original lead singer of Boney M, a pop group famous for No. 1 hits such as “Rivers of Babylon/Brown Girl in the Ring” and “Mary’s Boy Child.” The band, active from 1976 to 1986, has sold over 100 million records globally. Now at 72 years old, she continues to perform under the name Liz Mitchell, Boney M, and was honored with an MBE in the King’s birthday honors for her contributions to music and charity. “I regret that my father, Norman [MBE for community service], who passed away in May at the age of 103, won’t be here to witness me receive this honor at Windsor Castle,” she shared. Liz resides in Caversham, Reading, with her husband and manager, Thomas Pemberton, and is a proud mother of three grown children.

I usually spend about a fiver. I prefer paying with cash, although many places no longer accept it.

Which credit cards do you prefer?

I don’t have a specific preference as long as my card functions properly.

Do you classify yourself as a saver or a spender?

I’m somewhat in the middle; I neither save extensively nor spend excessively. When I was younger, I indulged in boutique shopping. During my Boney M years, I constantly sought outfits to enhance our appearance. In 1979, we were asked last minute to participate in a Royal Variety Performance for the Queen, leading us to purchase four exquisite outfits, along with shoes and jewelry, totaling £10,000 each. While management reimbursed us, the cost ultimately came from our royalties. My most significant expenditure recently was funding my trip to Jamaica for my father’s funeral; we ensured he had a beautiful send-off.

Do you own property?

Yes, we own a spacious detached family home in Caversham, Reading. My husband, Thomas, and I purchased it over 30 years ago for approximately £400,000, a considerable sum for us at that time. Now that my children and their families are grown, they often come to visit, and having ample space is wonderful. My childhood home in Harlesden bears a blue plaque today.

Are you in a better financial position than your parents?

That’s a good question. I am one of six children and spent my early life in Jamaica. My father emigrated to England for work as a laborer after my birth, making £6-7 a week, while my mother, Lowess, now 95, joined him shortly after. They were part of the Windrush generation. I reunited with my parents at the age of 11 in Harlesden where they purchased a home for about £2,000. While I may have more financial resources today, I feel my parents were better off in some respects as they lived within their means, unlike many today who rely on credit cards for purchases beyond their reach.

What was your income last year?

Honestly, I’m not sure—my husband manages those details [chuckles].

What was your first job?

My first job was in a Lyons office where I earned £7 a week. However, after auditioning successfully for the production of Hair in West Berlin—where I had a friend performing—I saw my pay increase to around £10 weekly. Following that, I joined the German pop group Les Humphries Singers, before being invited in 1976 to become a member of Boney M, which was formed by producer Frank Farian, who passed away this year. Our first major hit was “Daddy Cool” in 1976, and life changed dramatically thereafter.

When did you first feel a sense of wealth?

I’m not certain. I may have made more during my time with Boney M, but I also had more expenses then. In some ways, I’m better off now. I have been a born-again Christian since the early ’70s, and for me, true wealth is about having security, a stable home, and a loving family.

Have you ever faced challenges in making ends meet?

During my time with the cast of Hair in Berlin, we often struggled financially due to low wages, with the London cast facing similar hardships. Some things never change; in theatre, substantial earnings typically come only to the stars of a performance.

Do you invest in shares?

No, I find that topic uninteresting.

What do you believe is better for retirement—property or pension?

I’m not entirely certain. In showbusiness, one has to organize their own pension—it’s not taken care of by anyone else. However, I still receive fan mail from across the globe requesting my performances. Although I am slowing down a bit, I have no immediate plans to retire as I truly enjoy performing.

What has been your wisest business choice?

Joining Boney M was undoubtedly my best business decision, even if I was not always treated fairly by the record company. During the band’s peak, I was too busy performing to count my earnings. At times, I was uncomfortable with the poses we were directed to take for promotional material, worrying about being exploited—though after expressing my concerns, Frank reassured us that the photos would not be “vulgar.”

It’s gratifying to have lent my voice to songs that have brought joy to countless people and continue to do so. If I wished, I could perform anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, some tribute bands named after Boney M do not openly acknowledge they are tributes, which can be quite awkward.

What would you consider your best investment?

Buying my home with Thomas has been the wisest financial move we ever made. Being a family-oriented person, I cherish the happy memories associated with our house. I’ve never needed to invest in singing lessons; I was naturally gifted with a voice and have used it since childhood. If I’m not performing live, I can often be found singing at my church.

What was your biggest regret in investments?

I’ve spent £600-£700 on dresses for personal use that I’ve only worn once after realizing they weren’t quite my style, proving to be poor investments. My mother was a talented dressmaker and crafted some of my earlier stage outfits, with several Boney M costumes inspired by my ideas.

What is your financial weakness?

I have a fondness for soft leather Italian shoes, which can range in price from £150 to £1,000. I own many pairs in various colors to match my stage outfits and don’t hesitate to treat myself.

What has been your most extravagant expense?

These days, my principal extravagance revolves around holidays, which can become costly when accommodating a large family. I enjoy taking them to destinations like Disneyworld, and visits there have led to expenses totaling several thousand pounds for flights, accommodation, and entry fees.

What are your financial goals moving forward?

My main objective is to keep singing for as long as possible. It has taken time for me to recuperate from a car accident last year that resulted in a wrist injury. Prior to that, I was performing two to three gigs each month, but my schedule has slowed down since. However, I look forward to returning to performances next year once I’m fully recovered, as the past year has been challenging mentally.

If you won the lottery, how would you spend it?

I would donate the entire amount to my Let It Be charitable foundation, which focuses on educating black British children to appreciate their African or Caribbean heritage, enriching their lives and shaping them into better individuals.

What significant lesson on finances have you learned?

It’s crucial to choose your friends wisely once you achieve financial success. As Sam Cooke sang in “Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out,” when his “money got low,” he found it hard to locate friends.

boneym-lizmitchell.com, letitbefoundation.co.uk