Sara Jane Skeete

Quick Facts

Summary

Sara Jane Skeete is a British singer and backing vocalist who has worked with Robbie Williams since 2006. She has also collaborated with artists including Kylie Minogue, Michael Jackson, Queen Latifah and Mika, and is known for her long-standing role in major international tours and live productions.

Biography

Early life and musical background

Skeete grew up in a highly musical family. Her mother, stepfather, aunt and sister are all professional musicians, and music was a constant presence throughout her childhood. Her stepfather is a saxophonist, while her aunt was a member of one of the first female reggae bands.

I never wanted to do music because it was such a big thing in our family… and here I amSara Jane Skeete

Although initially resistant to following the same path, Skeete was heavily influenced by her musical surroundings. Her early inspirations included American R&B and soul artists, as well as performers such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan and Tina Turner.

Early songwriting and recording work

At the age of 15, Skeete began working with a producer on original material. One of her songs was selected for the soundtrack to the film What’s the Worst That Could Happen?, starring Danny DeVito. This led to her being featured on a track recorded by Queen Latifah for the same soundtrack.

Shortly afterwards, Skeete signed to Interscope Records and travelled to the United States to continue recording. Reflecting on that period later, she described it as both formative and overwhelming due to her young age.

When you’re young, you don’t realise how big the things you’re doing actually areSara Jane Skeete

Early touring work

Skeete’s first major touring role as a backing singer came with Kylie Minogue. After a rapid audition process, she joined Minogue’s touring band and travelled to Australia, marking her introduction to large-scale international touring.

She later worked with artists including James Morrison, Mika, Ellie Goulding, Boyzone and others, gaining extensive experience across pop and live performance environments.

Recording with Michael Jackson

Among her most notable studio experiences was contributing vocals to a recording session for Michael Jackson. The session was initially uncredited and confidential, with Skeete only discovering the artist’s identity on arrival.

We arrived and suddenly it was Michael… I walked out of there on a cloudSara Jane Skeete

She later described the experience as one of the moments where the scale of her work fully registered.

Joining Robbie Williams

Skeete first worked with Robbie Williams in late 2005, performing as part of a large vocal ensemble for an MTV Awards performance. Following this appearance, she was selected to join Williams’ live band for the Close Encounters tour in 2006.

The tour marked her first extended world tour, spanning multiple continents including Europe, South America and Africa. Rehearsals took place in South Africa, where the band spent several weeks preparing the show.

Long-term touring with Robbie Williams

Since 2006, Skeete has remained a core member of Robbie Williams’ backing vocal team. She has appeared on major tours including Take the Crown, The Heavy Entertainment Show, swing-era productions and the Las Vegas residency.

She has also participated in more intimate projects such as the Under the Radar performances, including the pyjama-themed Roundhouse concert.

Describing Williams’ performance style, Skeete has noted the unpredictability that defines his shows.

You never really know what the show will be until it’s happeningSara Jane Skeete

Health and personal advocacy

Skeete has spoken openly about living with Crohn’s disease, which she was diagnosed with early in her touring career. Managing the condition while travelling presented significant challenges, particularly before she felt able to discuss it openly.

She later wrote a short book documenting her experience, focusing on life on the road, alternative approaches to health and the importance of self-advocacy.

Later career and recent touring

In more recent years, Skeete has balanced touring with family life. During the XXV era, backing vocal duties were shared among multiple singers, allowing greater flexibility, including time away following pregnancy and the birth of her son.

She has continued to perform with Robbie Williams on selected dates while remaining closely connected to the touring family.