Moniqe Fiddes climbing the charts with her new album
Moniqe’s star is on the rise. Image: Supplied
It’s only been two-and-a-half weeks since the release of Moniqe’s latest album, Colourful, and the South African-born singer has already landed in the Top 10 with two respective singles.
Having taken time off between settling down in the UK and starting a family, Moniqe is once more the talk of the town thanks to Colourful, which many consider her best album yet.
MONIQE BACK ON MUSIC SCENE WITH A VENGEANCE
Moniqe, previously known as Moniqe Foxx, has been in the music industry for more than 10 years. In 2009, she was signed to an independent record company in South Africa, through which she released her first album, Ek Kan.
Her hit single Tell Me Y reached more than 230,000 views within two short months.
MONIQE AND MATT ALSO SUCCESSFUL IN MARTIAL ARTS
Moniqe is not only a singer, but a successful business woman as well. She is a director of the Matt Fiddes Martial Arts Academy alongside her husband, Matt Fiddes, who is highly respected in the international world of martial arts and fitness.
Moniqe and Matt have built up an empire with some of their academy’s celebrity clientele including actors, supermodels and singers.
MICHAEL JACKSON WAS A CLIENT
Matt’s biggest client was the late Michael Jackson. Introduced to Matt by his close friend Uri Geller, Matt was Jackson’s personal UK bodyguard for more than a decade before the star’s death in 2009.
Moniqe’s latest album, which debuted in October, features a more mature and dynamic singer who has been compared to the likes of Kylie Minogue.
THE SOUTH AFRICAN CATCHES UP WITH MONIQE
‘Colourful’ reached the Top 10 charts in just two weeks. How does this make you feel?
I really have no words… I was very surprised and didn’t expect, it to be honest. I do set my goals high and focus 100% on reaching No 1, but the amazing support everyone has been showing me has been incredible. It truly motivated me even more.
Describe how life has been since you released ‘Colourful’?
It has been incredibly fun to see how my following on iTunes and Spotify has grown without any particular media work yet, so I am looking forward to seeing when it gets busier and more people get to know my music.
What response have you received from the public since the release?
An amazing response, to say the least! I haven’t actually focused too much on the song Colourful, which is the title of my album. I liked the name of the song and so decided to make that the album cover. Surprisingly, despite Colourful coming in on the charts, so too has I’m Flying High – to have two singles on the charts at the same time is unimaginable.
Why should people listen to your new album?
I want people to get to know my music. I enjoy making music that has a positive impact on people. I would consider this a happy album, and if you’re in the car, walking your dog, with friends or simply relaxing at home, I hope listening to my music will take you on a journey with each different song.
You’ve been compared to the likes of Kylie Minogue?
I’ve had a few people over in the UK mention that to me when I played some of my songs to them, which I find a huge compliment. I mean, who doesn’t love Kylie and her voice?
You grew up in Witbank and call yourself a small-town girl. What is your fondest memory of living there?
Family time — growing up, most of my childhood was in Witbank. And of course getting married to my husband, Matt, in Witbank.
What message do you wish to share with everyone from Witbank?
To all those who doubted me and whom I would call my “haters” – they truly pushed me to achieve my goals even more. They made me feel like I wasn’t good enough, so for that I am grateful as they all made me want to succeed even more and prove them wrong.
To all the wonderful people of Witbank who supported me and believed in me when I was a young girl with big dreams of becoming an international artist, thanks so much. Your love and support have carried me all these years.
Last, Hertzog High School was a massive support system for me back in the day — thank you.
Who would you describe as your perfect listener?
Anyone who loves music! There’s something for everyone on this album.
How can South Africans get a copy?
Anyone can buy a CD through my website, locally and internationally, or you can download my CD on iTunes, Spotify all the major digital platforms.
