24Hip-Hop is happy to be connecting today with talented singer, model and entrepreneur Dejah Monae’. Tell us a little bit about yourself Dejah Monae’?
And what got you into music?
Singer, model, and entrepreneur, Dejah Monae’ , knew she was destined for greatness. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Landover, Maryland, she spent much of her working in her mother’s daycare and doing hair. The middle child out of 3 siblings, she learned early on what hard work and diligence looked like. Starting her first job at the age of 12, she worked as a daycare worker for “Little Fingers,” just down the street from her house. At the same time, she worked in and out of different salons to make money. Moving to Atlanta, she worked as a hookah girl and continued to do hair at various malls and salons.
Growing up, she sang in the church chorus all her life; as well as played in musical bands and wrote poetry. She found out that music is what gives you hope when there is none left. Dejah knew it was time to take matters into her own hands and use her voice to change herself and those around her. Always having a big presence and a lot of energy, she decided to take the leap of faith and answer her calling to sing. Not wanting to box herself into one type of music genre, she writes and sings what makes her feel good in the moments when she is writing and in the recording booth. Singing under Distribution deal with Stachehaus/ Sony Orchard, she released newest single “Sex’d Up” in October 2020. Recently considered to be “Who’s Next” by New York City’s Hot 97 FM in June of 2021, she has already accumulated more than 37,000 followers across social media platforms.Recently releasing of her single “Sex Up,” the video has began to pick up momentum.
How long has music been a part of your life?
Since I was born. All of my life. I grew up on Gospel, GoGo, R&B, and jazz. My family loved music. We played music all day long. Especially my mother.
If it wasn’t for music, where would you be now?
This is a great question. I like to write to myself. And I tell myself all the time that I have no clue where I would be if it wasn’t for sound. Not just music. I’m so grateful to have music. It has gotten me through literally everything. Any emotion I feel , can be expressed in a song. That alone has gotten me to where I am today. There is healing in music, and I don’t take it for granted.
In what way do you aim to make a difference?
Wow, I have so many goals. But for now the only difference I’m focused on making is within myself. We all have this fixation of “better” and we may all define “better” differently. But we all want more, I would say the least. And the more that I want isn’t anything materialistic. The difference I’m focused on is become a better me. Because it’s not just for myself it’s for everyone around me. So, to me that is the biggest difference I ever can make. Becoming more of one with myself and this universe we all share.
Who’s your fashion icon, and why?
To be honest. I don’t have one. And I can’t just make one up either lol. But I can give you a few of my most favorite designers of all time. My top 3 are
1st- Richard L. (Ann Taylor) I say L because I can never pronounce his last name. Lol
2nd- Vince Camuto (Nine West)
3rd- This one is really a group effort in designers. (Coach)
How would you describe your style of music?
The music that I have done so far is more in the lane of R&B , Soul, Hip hop & R&B
When it comes to performing, what’s your style?The only time I have performed was at school or church. Once my EP drops I’ll be ready for tour.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? This might sound down to earth and simple for most artists but a wedding, it’s just a beautiful intimate moment. And so is music. And I would love to perform at couples special moment like weddings. Passion love and intimacy is a big part of my music which will be the same for the places I love to perform at.
You’re of a rare breed of musical artists in that you are a singer-songwriter. Which comes first for you, the lyrics or the music?
For me it’s either or. I don’t put a limit to how I create. Sometimes I write what I feel before putting it to a song. Sometimes I write to instrumentals.
Your label is with Stachehaus/Sony Orchard. What makes them the right home for you and your music?
I’m not with a label. I am independent. I have a distribution deal with Sony Orchard under the label Stachehaus which I appreciate the opportunity to showcase my music to the world through them.
You’re also a respected advocate against domestic abuse. Can you talk with us a little about why this is such an important cause for you?
I been through domestic violence my entire life. I’m 1000% against it.
What’s the vision? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t like the first question. I only say I don’t like it because it’s a superficial question. Which always is followed by a superficial answer. My vision is not set in one thing. I have goals every day. My goals change all the time. My overall vision is “better”.
In 5 years I see myself in my home I built and architected myself. I see me well of with my brand. And making a lot of difference in the streets. I see maybe a family, not too sure what that is in my eye sight. Lol