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Jill is in the UK to promote her new release, The Real Thing. It’s an album that’s been gaining plaudits for its raunchy subject matter, something that she says was totally intentional.

"It’s a lot sassier than anything I’ve done before. It’s definitely sensual and adult. I really enjoyed my pen and my imagination this time around. It’s definitely a grown woman’s point of view. It’s the real thing.

Jill Scott

"It’s easy to say the dirty words. You notice that in hip-hop. I wanted to use a broader stroke with my brush. I wanted to say those words but create a bigger, more delicate image around it, so that you feel something rather than just hear something."

There is more to Jill than just a singing though. Away from the microphone, she fills many other roles - poet, songwriter, actress and philanthropist (thanks to her Blues Babe Foundation).

According to Jill, she never intended to be just a singer and had ambitions to fill her life in so many ways from an early age.

"I have a list that I wrote when I was 12 of all the things I want to do in my life… one day I will write a book, one day I will win a Grammy, one day I will win a Tony, one day I will own a cat, one day I will be Storm from X-Men, that kind of stuff.

"I want to check those things off, so next year for Hallowe’en, I’ll be Storm from X-Men. Just keep it moving. It’s nice to have dreams."

Jill Scott

As fine as her other roles may be, it is still on stage singing live that Jill really shines and it seems that she shines just a little bit brighter in the UK, thanks to the response of her audience here.

"You know that people are coming to rejoice in music and there’s no shame in the game. People are going to sing, they’re going to put their hands up, they’re going to pass out, they’re going to do whatever they’re going to do to enjoy the music.

"I love that kind of energy and I get that here. Any time I come to the UK, there’s just such a joy for music and I love that.

"A lot of times, I think Americans may not listen to the lyrics. You don’t want to write for nothing. If you’re bearing your soul, you want somebody to actually listen to it. I always get that here."

Jill Scott plays Academy 1 on Sunday 18 November. Tickets are £28.50

The People with Karen Gabay is on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Manchester on Saturdays at 7pm