Andrew: How it began, how you became an Arabesque memeber?
Karen: I founded Arabesque, or at least gave it the name. The producer Wolfgang Mewes and the song writer Jean Frankfurter wanted to form a girl group. They looked around and interviewed many girls, and picked three out. They found me as I sang in a song contest and won it in Offenbach.

Andrew: When Arabesque were created?
Karen: It was founded, or created 25 years or more ago. The first members were Michaela, Mary Ann and myself.

Andrew: Were you a lead singer of Arabesque that time? In what songs you are a lead vocal?
Karen: One of my lead songs was "Man With A Gun". Mary sang some lead songs. I cant remember many of the songs we sang now as I never received the LPs.

Andrew: What were your relationships with other Arabesque members?
Karen: I got on well with Michaela in the group.

Andrew: Who left a group first, when, why and who rerplaced that girl?
Karen: Mary Ann left the group first, then Heike came, I think. Then I and Heike left and Sandra and Jasmin came. Mary left as she had a long way to drive from Karlsruhe to Frankfurt, and she had a small son.

Andrew: Why did you leave Arabesque?
Karen: I left because I was expecting a baby (Stephen).

Andrew: Do you regret you left Arabesque?
Karen: I didn`t really want to leave at this time because the success had just started! We were to go to Japan, I was given a week after having my baby, to recover, leave my baby and go to Japan. I could not leave a tiny baby, so I tried to leave Arabesque. That was difficult!! They sued me for many thousands of marks and I had to take a lawyer. I suppose because I was a mother with a new born baby I did not have to pay all that money for leaving Arabesque, but I had no more rights in the group when they used my voice or photos.

Andrew: What's the name of Stephen's father? Are you married?
Karen: Stephen`s father is Gerhard and I am married to him.

Andrew: What are names and ages of all your children?
Karen: Stephen is 24 and my other son is Daniel, 18 years.

Andrew: Is September 11, 1953 your birthday? Is London, UK your birthplace?
Karen: Yes I come from London and my birthday is 11th September.

Andrew: What are names of your parents and from what countries are them?
Karen: My parents come from England.

Andrew: When you became your solo career? On what languages do you sing?
Karen: I carried on a solo singing career after , but I just do a bit of singing. ( in German or English, mostly English).

Andrew: In what music style do you work now?
Karen: I sing in many styles.

Andrew: Who got Shakira name first, you or..?
Karen: I had the name of Shakira first, I believe. (15 yrs ago).

Andrew: Why Shakira, whay not just Karen (that name sounds really good!)?
Karen: I like the name.

Andrew: Do you have some (lot) of fans now, any fansites?
Karen: I have a few fans (www.shakira.de).

Andrew: Who designed you site and why only on German?
Karen: Stephen designed the site!

Andrew: Will you proceed your solo career as Shakira or you think, that it's over now?
Karen: I still sing and will go on singing.

Andrew: Do you have any your photos in Arabesque, except on covers?
Karen: I may have some photos somewhere of Arabesque. If I find them I shall send you copies.

Andrew: Thank you for answering me!
Karen: So Andrew, I hope this info helps you, a merry Christmas!

Andrew: Another great thanks for your answers. I wish you and your family a merry Christmas too!