There's simply no stopping Moniqe Fiddes! Moniqe first stepped on to the South African music scene when she released her debut album in 2010, called “Ek Kan”. Her hit single “Tell me Y” impressed a wide-reach audience and topped over 230 000 views within the first 2 months.
Since then, Moniqe has gone on to achieve great things, having moved abroad, married the man of her dreams, become a mother to 3 amazing children and written a brand new album.
The South African born pop-star promises to always keep her South African roots close to her heart with her brand new album, Colourful, which is set to debut on the 9th October 2020.
Her husband, Matt Fiddes, is one of the most respected experts in the international world of martial arts and fitness. He has numerous celebrity clientele including actors, supermodels and singers. Undoubtedly Matt’s biggest client was superstar Michael Jackson where he served as Michael’s personal UK bodyguard for over a decade before his tragic death in June 2009.
SA Life Mag sat down with Moniqe in an all-exclusive interview.
Why is this album special to you?
This album is very special to me. I have written the lyrics and music and worked with a former EMI producer and engineer who had produced for some of the biggest pop stars out there.
I had to grow up a little bit to realise life is about more than just singing on a stage. Music is so much more than just singing it, I fell in love with my husband, became a wife, became a mum and learnt so much and still do every day, but for me I can now honestly say I am ready for my voice to be heard.
What is one goal you hope to achieve this year? This year has been a very strange year for us all with the COVID-19 pandemic that’s affected us all around the world. I don’t think anyone can predict how this year will turn out, but I for one am going to remain positive and believe that good things will come out of this year in the end and hopefully my album is one of them.
How do you maintain healthy relationships with your friends, family and partner with such an in-demand and busy schedule? I make time! This is very important for me. Happy marriage, happy kids = happy life.
What do you want to be remembered for in the music industry one day? Uniqueness; and as someone who took a chance and succeeded. I want to be remember as someone who made a success out of her music talent
Who is one person that you look up to and draw inspiration from within the music industry, and why?
Jennifer Lopez - as she never gave up on her dreams and eventually got to where she wanted to be. She is a very beautiful, happily engaged, woman with a successful career and a humble personality. I was very fortunate enough to be one of only 500 people to watch one of her private life shows in a hotel in Turkey Antalya last year. I was literally right there in front of her which is a night I will never forget. She is and always has been my role model.
Who has played an important part in your music career thus far and why?
I think Nadine (Brown) Blom was the first person to believe in me and my talent. So for me, that’s someone who had a great impact on the beginning of my career and I will always remember how her words of encouragement would make me believe in myself. After that, everything fell into place.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given to yourself 5 years ago?
Don’t rush girl, no matter what you do, everything will turn out the way it’s supposed to. It’s your life puzzle you’re completing step by step, day by day. Enjoy life and work hard for what you want BUT don’t rush it. As with time, I have realised by maturing and getting older, my voice has gotten better, my songwriting has gotten a lot better and I understand life so much more now. I was not ready to release an album even though I thought I was. Until now…
How do you remain humble and grounded in an industry that is so publicised?
Humbleness has been carved into my soul and I always remind myself where I come from and that there is a lot of talent out there which makes me no better than anyone else, but, I believe in myself and that there is a space for me somehow in this universe just like there is for everyone else. It’s up to me to work hard as it won’t be handed to me.
Pic: Matt Fiddes/SWNS.com
Tell us a bit more about your role as the Director of MF Martial Arts Academy?
I am a director of the company so I work alongside Matt and deal with some financial/accounts/posts.
It's important for me to keep in touch with the franchises, and be available whenever anyone needs to speak to either Matt or any of the other members. Other than that, I am proud to be Matt’s right hand and support him behind closed doors in terms of being his personal assistant and of course his wife.
Moniqe’s album, Colourful, launches on the 9th October on iTunes, Spotify and all other digital platforms.
Follow her journey on social media.
Instagram: @moniqefiddes
Facebook: @officialmoniqefiddes
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