It's a proud, defiant, jubilant showcase of Black music at a time when racists are very quick to say what is and isn't British, and the Union Jack is being weaponised on lampposts. "Both of my grandparents came over as part of the Windrush Generation, so that does hit something in me. The amount of racism that is freely online is scary, and seeing the Reform protests is petrifying. I've always wanted to celebrate my heritage, and I love exploring different genres of Black music," she says. "I didn't think about it being a political album, but I guess it is what it is." It comes after Leigh-Anne teamed up with Bastille's Dan Smith, Brian Eno, Mabel, Neneh Cherry and more at the end of last year for charity single 'Lullaby', with all proceeds going to Palestine relief organisations. "I've always been passionate about using my platform, and the world is so messed up right now," says Leigh-Anne. "All I'm doing is leading with compassion and just being a human. I'm not really bothered about ruffling feathers because I think we all need to be doing that right now." Lyrically, 'My Ego Told Me To' is just as eclectic as the music. "If I'm feeling something, I'll write about it." Tender songs about family sit next to swaggering celebrations of independence. 'Best Version Of Me' is brutally honest about Leigh-Anne's mental health coming out of the group, while 'Tight Up Skirt', 'Most Wanted' and 'Talk To Me Nice' see her get hot and heavy. "In Little Mix, we had to make everything suitable for our young audience. At the beginning of going solo, there were times I felt like I couldn't talk about certain things, but I'm at the point now where I feel like I can be as sexual as I want to be. I knew this was never going to work for me if I couldn't be totally free with it." "This record really is a true representation of me," she adds. "It's been a long time coming, but the fact I'm releasing it as an independent artist just makes the moment even sweeter."

The decision to go it alone was inspired by RAYE, says Leigh-Anne. "She stepped out and did exactly what she wanted to do, and just look at what she's achieved. She's proof that when you're authentic to yourself, your art can connect." She also loves Zara Larsson. "She's an example of someone who's been working at it for years, and the world has finally caught up to her. She's incredible and deserves every bit of success." Leigh-Anne isn't trying to match previous wins with 'My Ego Told Me To'. "I always think to myself, 'Girl, you've been doing this for over 10 years now. You've done it all already, so just have fun and put out your art.' Once I took that pressure off myself, I was so much happier," she explains before grinning. "I do think this record deserves Top 3 [in the UK Album Charts] though." There's been plenty of talk about the inevitable Little Mix reunion, but right now, Leigh-Anne has more to say as a solo artist. "It really does feel like this is just the start." She's "definitely" already thinking about the next project and has also started work on a deluxe. "I've put so much of myself into 'My Ego Told Me To', so I want to revel in that for a while," she continues. There's a string of record store gigs and signings in the next few weeks before a UK and European headline tour in April. And after that? The world. "I'm just excited to see how this blooms." "It hasn't been smooth sailing, but every single time I've fallen, I've got back up and kept going," she says. "Hopefully, people can see that and feel empowered by the idea that sometimes shit happens, but you just have to keep going. You have to keep believing in yourself. " Leigh-Anne's album 'My Ego Told Me To' is out now.