Picture: Lisa G Photography
It’s rare to find icons and rising stars in mainstream media that the coloured child from the Cape Flats or the dreamer struggling to find their own voice can draw inspiration from. Enter Patty Monroe.
The Cape Town beauty and MC is an artist that constantly stays true to her own, vision, voice and uniqueness.
Since her early collaborations with Youngsta she has also appeared on shows like SA’s Got Talent, performed at Durban July and dropped her first album, Malatjie, in 2018.
At this point, I would go as far to say that Patty Monroe’s art, flavour and style can be compared to the iconic Colombian Queen and Canadian artist Jessie Reyez.
Patty Monroe recently released the music video for her song, Fighter, which tells the story of her upbringing, struggles, vulnerabilities and the ways she’s dealt with depression. Take a look at the exclusive Q&A below and check out the music video for Fighter as well.
How would you describe your look/style?
Always getting better.
Picture: Lisa G Photography
What’s the greatest fear you’ve had to overcome to get where you are today?
Me thinking my best isn't enough. It’s never gonna be perfect, but the process is beautiful though.
Have you had to deal with criticism and pushback as a woman of colour? How did you overcome?
I stopped thinking about what people think of me and it saved me a lot of time. No matter the circumstance I will keep pushing what I believe in.
The industry is physically and mentally demanding. What keeps you balanced, focused and grounded?
My mother grounds me so much, always keeping it 100 with me. I recharge by connecting with source whether it be in nature or at home meditating with my crystals, incense and imphepho. Eating clean, getting enough sleep and cutting down on my alcohol intake helps with staying focused.
Picture: Lisa G Photography
How would you describe the experience of your recent, super-hot, Red Bull Studio Swift 16 session?
(Laughs), so much fun. I love working with the Red Bull crew, and rapping, so it was a pretty good match.
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Who are your style icons? Local and international.
Rihanna & Nomalanga the Flame
What are 3 of your go-to summer looks for 2019?
(Pics?)
Cute denim shorts
Sundresses
Natural curly hair
In terms of culture and sound which artists do you draw inspiration from?
Burna Boy, Koffee, Missy Elliot, YoungstaCPT
Picture: Unknown Union
How would you suggest the negative perception South Africa has of coloureds could be changed?
Be great, strive for excellence. Don't settle. We should just embrace our different cultures and share it with the people who love and care about us. We should work more on how we value ourselves and people will see that and treat us accordingly.
You started your career fairly young and yet the MC and the music industry is still male-dominated. What are your thoughts on that?
That’s changing drastically and a whole bunch of queens are on the rise. The game’s not the same anymore. Raps are becoming more melodic and saying less meaningful things in songs, it’s about what’s more catchy and which beat bumps the hardest. This is the perfect time for women to set the pace.
Have you seen any acknowledgeable movement towards equality and inclusivity compared to when you started out?
Not really that much to be honest, it’s still a boy’s club, they just have the one female they fxcks with and think that levels the field.
Picture: Donovan Leon
If you could give 3 key pieces of advice to anyone considering a career in entertainment and music what would it be?
Make sure your lifestyle is a healthy one because you can get lost in the sauce very easily. Make sure you have more than just one thing going on, be multi-talented, and always keep learning.
The conversation around anxiety disorders and depression has become more prevalent. How do you manage yours and make sure that when darkness creeps in it doesn’t manage you?
I view depression as a period of deep rest, I welcome it in, acknowledge its existence and then send it on its merry way. Those days I feel like doing absolutely nothing, I listen and do exactly that, nothing. Don't feel bad about it, enjoy it. Take a nap to wake up the next day and keep it moving. Meditation helps a lot with the true cause of the problem. Remember, the fact that you feel so sad just means there is a whole bunch of love you are not allowing in.
What can we expect from your 2020 album?
More mature, sensual topics I touch on. Some dope A** features as well.
Picture: Lisa G Photography
What is the message that you want your audience to take from your latest release fighter?
It’s more of a diary entry, I’m telling the Malatjies my story. It’s an ode to my journey and how it will get better, you got this, you are a fighter.
What was it like working on Fighter with Caleb Williams? Had you worked together before?
It’s always magic with Caleb, he is such a positive genuine person. Let’s not forget, super talented. Very happy to call him one of my friends. We worked on a track called ‘Reminiscing’.
Besides yourself, who are the up and coming artists you think we should be looking out for in 2020?
IndigoStella, Dani Bagel, Caleb Williams, Ka$hCPT, Valarie Omari, Tribe, Rafaelo
Do you have a skincare routine/ritual you swear by, what is it?
Drink loads of water and eat healthy, if you don't it’s gonna show upon your face.
Always wash make-up off the night you get home and always moisturize
Your hair and its natural look is everything, what is your hair care routine?
Once a week oil treatment, AKA a whole bunch of coconut oil mixed in with some black castor oil. Treat your hair like you would your face when you go out you put on sunscreen. So, protect that crown every time you leave the house.
What are three things you never leave the house without?
My house keys, lip gloss and money oh and my earphones.
What is your current go-to happy song?
EternalnLight - Free Nationals & Chronixx.
What do you enjoy doing with your free time?
Dancing at home in my panty, reading, playing with my crystals, video calling my friends and going on dates.
Is there anything South Africa would be surprised to know about you? Any quirks?
My father was Father Christmas and I’m originally from Heaven and I can't eat with a fork when the teeth are not perfectly straight.
Besides music do you have any other passions or talents?
I’m passionate about food, fitness and spirituality and the South African school curriculum we have in place - lots of things need to change and I would like to be a catalyst for it.
