Fame has a way of changing even the most humble person. Being recognised in the course of daily life, having a faithful following of fans for the better part of 15 years, seeing your photograph on the covers of magazines has a tendency to affect even the simplest, unassuming persona.

Hardly a head turns as singer/actress Amy Mastura, dressed in blue jeans and an oversized T-shirt, walks over to the Dome Café at The Curve, accompanied by her manager Nana. Amy’s lack of make-up, her shy grin and numerous glances aimed at her feet instantly signal her discomfort at being labelled a celebrity.

There is the possibility that she’s dressed down to avoid attracting attention but as soon as she begins to speak, it becomes evident that such is her personality. She is the wholesome girl-next-door. Her schoolgirl looks and petite stature add to the effect; they belie her age – she’s 37 – and the fact that she’s a mother of two girls aged seven and three.