On April 8, 2025, the iconic girl group Sugababes marked a pivotal moment in their career by releasing "Weeds," a powerful new single that encapsulates the themes of friendship and growth. Coinciding with the start of their most extensive arena tour to date, this release not only signals a musical comeback but also celebrates the group's reinvention after years of ups and downs in the music industry. As they step back into the spotlight, the Sugababes are poised to share a narrative filled with resilience and artistic independence.
Founded in 1998, Sugababes quickly became a cultural phenomenon in the UK pop music scene. Their impressive discography is characterized by constant evolution and reinvention, with different lineups bringing fresh perspectives and sounds. The original trio—Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena, and Siobhán Donaghy—formed the creative heart of Sugababes and churned out hits like "Freak Like Me" and "Push the Button."
However, infighting and member changes over the years led to a series of evolving identities, starting with Donaghy's departure in 2001. In 2011, Buchanan, Buena, and Donaghy briefly reunited under the name Mutya Keisha Siobhan (MKS), which highlighted their foundational connection. It was not until 2019 that they regained the rights to the Sugababes name, a significant milestone in their ongoing journey.
The new single "Weeds," described by the group as “one of the most beautiful songs we’ve ever worked on,” symbolizes a fresh chapter for the Sugababes. The title evokes imagery of resilience, growth, and the beauty of nurturing relationships. In promotional interviews, the band has expressed how deeply personal this song is, aligning with their shared experiences as friends and artists.
Keisha Buchanan elaborated on the song's significance during a press release, saying, “The love for 'Jungle' has been incredible, and watching it take on a life of its own has been amazing. But 'Weeds' reveals a whole other side of us, and we couldn’t think of a better time to drop it than on the first night of our arena tour."
"Weeds" was produced by Jon Shave, who previously worked with the group on the hit song "Jungle." Anya Jones, who has collaborated with pop icons like Kylie Minogue, co-wrote this atmospheric track that melds contemporary pop with Sugababes' signature sound. The duo's musical contributions further reinforce the evolving artistry of Sugababes as they move forward independently.
Notably, Sugababes are now independent artists, releasing music under their label, The Orchard. This marks a significant departure from their previous experience with major labels, giving them the autonomy to create music that resonates with their evolving artistic vision.
“It feels empowering to invest in ourselves and our music,” said Buchanan. “Even when we were signed to a major, we invested our own money into projects. We have more freedom to experiment and stand behind the art we believe in."
The Sugababes’ arena tour is set to mark a series of monumental dates across the UK, kicking off in Leeds. The lineup includes:
This tour presents an exciting blend of new material and classic Sugababes hits, attracting both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.
Their comeback is a testament to the group's enduring legacy, especially highlighted during their show at London’s Eventim Apollo in November 2022, which received rave reviews and set the stage for this tour. As they perform across luxurious arenas, the Sugababes aim to replicate the magic that has kept fans enthralled through the years.
The return of the Sugababes with "Weeds" and their associated tour underscores the broader trends in the music industry where veteran acts are finding renewed success through independent means. The empowerment of artists willing to take risks on their terms may inspire other groups to explore similar pathways, promoting a more authentic connection with their audiences.
Music industry experts have noted that the resurgence of independent acts is reflective of changing consumer preferences. Fans often seek authenticity and deeper personal connections with artists, as shown by Sugababes' candid discussions about their experiences and artistic motivations.
The Sugababes are embarking on this new venture with "Weeds," not just as another single, but as a pivotal moment in their reinvention narrative. By coupling their musical endeavors with a strong message of friendship and growth, they are poised to captivate audiences anew. As the group engages with fans through their powerful performances and relatable anthems, they are not merely revisiting their legacy but actively reshaping it for decades to come.
"Weeds" explores themes of friendship, resilience, and growth, symbolizing the nurturing process of relationships.
The song was produced by Jon Shave, known for his previous work with the Sugababes on their hit single "Jungle."
The tour kicks off on April 8, 2025, at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, marking the beginning of their largest tour to date.
No, Sugababes are now independent artists and are releasing music through their label, The Orchard.
Fans can expect a mix of new material, including songs like "Weeds," alongside classic Sugababes hits that will resonate with both longtime fans and newer audiences.