Painting the music scene Red
After taking a break from the music scene, she’s back with her second body of work.
Singer and songwriter Monique English will be releasing her new album on Saturday, 30 November.
Titled Red, the 12-track album features a number of local artists which includes KP Illest, Jaleel, Space the Don and Alta Oses. This is her second album, after releasing Since 1994 two years ago, which saw her win Female Artist of the Year in 2017 at the Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs). She also scooped Best Single in 2018 at the NAMAs for the song Does She Know, where she featured Salvador Mouers.
She mentioned that after winning at the NAMAs in 2017, she had a lot of backlash from the media and public overall. It was very difficult, the criticism and negative comments got to her. She tried to ignore it, but to no avail. After winning another award in 2018, she received a lot of backlash and negative criticism again. “After that, it all became too much and I became mentally unstable. Everything around me just didn't work. I went on a party and drinking spree. I made my mom cry a few times.
“I couldn't compose or write anything. I was in a relationship, which at the time, I didn't know was no good for me. I didn't communicate with God. I was just in a bad space,” she said.
This year she picked herself up and told herself enough is enough. She spoke to her mom about opening her own studio, just to get into the buzz again.
“It took some time, but I eventually got there. I got closer to God, I stopped partying so much - I disciplined myself.
“I started to realise what was important and what wasn't. I fell in love with an amazing guy, who has been nothing but supportive. He really is heaven sent. My mom has been supportive since day one. I found myself and my music again,” said English.
She mentioned that in the process of dealing with her shortcomings she has learned that, even if becoming one of the biggest stars in this world isn't what's meant for her, she knows God's plan is greater than hers and she put all her trust in him. “No one can help you if you can't help yourself.”
To show that she’s back with a bang, English released a single titled Red, produced by Eduardo Riobo from ESB Entertainment in July.
“In the next two weeks, I’ll be releasing the music video for Red, as well as a brand new single titled Think about it,” English announced.
She said she has completed about seven songs thus far, and recorded three last weekend at Nautilus Studios in Swakopmund.
“I’m also working with Luke Goliath, he produced award-winning hits for South African artist Shekinah. He sent me a few beats to work on and he said that he’ll love to work with more Namibian artists. Another great producer working with me on the album is Ali Jonker.”
English plans to enter for the NAMAs again with her new album.
LEANDREA LOUW
Singer and songwriter Monique English will be releasing her new album on Saturday, 30 November.
Titled Red, the 12-track album features a number of local artists which includes KP Illest, Jaleel, Space the Don and Alta Oses. This is her second album, after releasing Since 1994 two years ago, which saw her win Female Artist of the Year in 2017 at the Namibia Annual Music Awards (NAMAs). She also scooped Best Single in 2018 at the NAMAs for the song Does She Know, where she featured Salvador Mouers.
She mentioned that after winning at the NAMAs in 2017, she had a lot of backlash from the media and public overall. It was very difficult, the criticism and negative comments got to her. She tried to ignore it, but to no avail. After winning another award in 2018, she received a lot of backlash and negative criticism again. “After that, it all became too much and I became mentally unstable. Everything around me just didn't work. I went on a party and drinking spree. I made my mom cry a few times.
“I couldn't compose or write anything. I was in a relationship, which at the time, I didn't know was no good for me. I didn't communicate with God. I was just in a bad space,” she said.
This year she picked herself up and told herself enough is enough. She spoke to her mom about opening her own studio, just to get into the buzz again.
“It took some time, but I eventually got there. I got closer to God, I stopped partying so much - I disciplined myself.
“I started to realise what was important and what wasn't. I fell in love with an amazing guy, who has been nothing but supportive. He really is heaven sent. My mom has been supportive since day one. I found myself and my music again,” said English.
She mentioned that in the process of dealing with her shortcomings she has learned that, even if becoming one of the biggest stars in this world isn't what's meant for her, she knows God's plan is greater than hers and she put all her trust in him. “No one can help you if you can't help yourself.”
To show that she’s back with a bang, English released a single titled Red, produced by Eduardo Riobo from ESB Entertainment in July.
“In the next two weeks, I’ll be releasing the music video for Red, as well as a brand new single titled Think about it,” English announced.
She said she has completed about seven songs thus far, and recorded three last weekend at Nautilus Studios in Swakopmund.
“I’m also working with Luke Goliath, he produced award-winning hits for South African artist Shekinah. He sent me a few beats to work on and he said that he’ll love to work with more Namibian artists. Another great producer working with me on the album is Ali Jonker.”
English plans to enter for the NAMAs again with her new album.
LEANDREA LOUW
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