Nov 15, 20186 min read

The Monalisa - Extend play album called ELEV8tedPASSION due SOON!

"My music is honest, my music is art even in conversation I am honest and artistic." - MONALISA

Stage Name: The Monalisa

Hometown: Lilongwe MW,

Profession: Artist

Enterprise: Bank on my skills

Brand Ambassador: LINOWEAR

ARTIST

ENTREPRENEUR

FOUNDER & CEO

THE VOICE, THE STYLE & THE TALENT....

We are excited to have the Canadian artist Monalisa as our special guest feature this week on NEECEE LEXY. The 27 years old artist Monalisa aka THE MONALISA has opened many big international acts. These international acts include: Beenie Man, Iyanya, Kefee, and CEO dancers Timaya, Psquare, Davido, and Meiway. Thus, on August 4th, she opened for the Queen of Afrobeat sensation #MamaAfrica YEMI ALADE. Monalisa's true passion has always been music . Monalisa has recently dropped a new single called BOOM BOOM, available on REVERBNATION.Today she will be discussing the inspiration behind her single BOOM BOOM, updated on album release date, her journey as an artist in the entertainment industry and more. But first, here is an introductory bio on Monalisa.

Artist Biography:

Born in 1991 in Lilongwe, MW, Monalisa Ndovie was raised in Lansing, Michigan but currently lives in Alberta. Her music passion started at age 7. She began to sing and wanted to share her passion with the world. Monalisa has been performing for 7 years on and off in front of the public's eye. She started recording professionally in 2011, with inspiration from R&B artists like Brandy, India Arie, Aaliyah, Etta James, Vivian Green and Beyonce Knowles, Sevyn Streeter, and Tinashe. "Walking Away" is her debut single off her first ever project “Simply Misunderstood" which featured various international and local artists. On her single "Walkin Away", she features mentor and producer Excess" from Malawi, Currently she is in the studio recording her second EP "Elevated Passion" so lots of new things are ahead.

Tell us about yourself

I’m an artist from western Canada, fully invested in missionary work. My image, charisma and persona has a lot to do with who I am. My music is honest, my music is ART. Even in conversation I am honest and artistic. I am an R&B singer and songwriter, I give the straight truth about my life, pain, passion, love, triumph, and everything in between with collected calm and confidence. I am the truth. It’s that type of honesty that makes my music resonate with the depth of classic blues, bounce and a whole lotta country vibes. I’m jookin (it means litty in the states).

What is the inspiration behind your latest single ? and where do we buy?

“Heavy” is the truth about who I am. The intro inspired me & Yonce (Beyoncé) style who is my biggest influencer. The first verse is about the realization of life, the hook is me assuring myself that I know who I am while the second verse is for the love of my life. Lastly, the outro is encouragement for the next girl to go get it. You can get it off all social media platforms once my album drops soon. It’s pushed back so I am waiting for the new dates. ELEV8TEDPASSION is about my self awareness and healing journey.

You are a very talented artist with an amazing voice. Tell us you started your singing career.

I value and appreciate your compliments, I’m humbled. I started singing at age 7, been riding the wave since. I did covers on YouTube then a Malawian producer EXCESS BEATS, cut my very first record. I was on coast to coast number 3; after that, I rode the wave. It ain’t slowed down since, it just keeps on going.

Who are your biggest influences in the music right now ?

I am my own biggest influencer, but I also listen to a lot of Drake, Kehlani, Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, Jay-z, Lisa Left Eye, Tupac, Aaliyah, India Arie, Corinne Bailey Ray, Sabrina Claudio and Alecia Cara. I dig Canadian music alot. That’s why I ended up here. GOD’s plan.

Which current art world trends are you following?

I make my own trends, I've never been a follower. I've been in the corner realizing my greatness from my core. I am MONALISA, I am art, I make art.

I don’t follow trends, I am the trend, and my name is Viral. It’s in every song. I get why people can’t stand me sometimes. I am winning without doing nothing which is a big honour. Plus, can y’all help me give a shout out for DAVINCI? I wouldn’t be this litty. RIP. Shout out to your dearest angel DAVINCI.

Speaking of trends, what is your go to fashion tips?

Fashion tips, funny you asked, I stress myself about fashion. I DO NOT DRESS THAT WELL. I got me a stylist, but with that being said, I think it’s essential to have a colour palette. Generally speaking, have colours that you know make you feel great. I believe how you dress is etiquette. Therefore, dress how you like; however do respect the event you are going to.

Which Song you have written is your favorite and why?

To be honest, the whole album is my favourite, it’s too lit. But, I have a special love to the single Heavy. It’s the tempo, it sets the vibe for the whole album. TIDAL WAVE, its outro makes me cry THE MOST. These and the beats go HARD. Sadly, there are production issues on it at the moment and we are working it out.

MONALISA OPENING FOR YEMI ALADE August 4TH, 2018

What has been your greatest achievement as an artist thus far in your career?

So far, opening up for DAVIDO (an African sensation) was the best. I was also nominated for a Canadian award which took place on October 12, 2014. It was an honour to be seen among so many musicians in the city. All of this means a lot to me - it is all the hard work that paid off.

What is (are) your most memorable moment (s) as a artist thus far and why?

The obsidian award nomination, airing my music on Canadian radio. Shout out to G98.7 FM. Shout out to the Afro Groove Show, Mc BONDE AND TAT, I love y’all. The Canadian Urban Hip Hop Awards in Winnipeg. My first time heading out there, shout out to CSHARPE, opening for every African artist to touch down in Calgary since I’ve been here. Plus, meeting Peter & Paul, I covered their song with two face. It was an honour touring with Davido in Vancouver performances. Lastly, colours and bling tour with DJ Mahito, SHOUT OUT. There are many people, I’m satisfied with those ones. I manifested myself in every situation and I envisioned these events. Seeing my work come to fruition makes me litty. I love proving to myself that I’m the best doing what I do in my city. I don’t see no one doing it like me.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out their music career and hoping to make it in the industry?

Be yourself, stay in your element, at your own pace. Slow and steady wins the race, keep GOD in your craft. DREAM BIGGER, NEVER LISTEN TO ANYONE BUT YOUR HEART, TAKE NO ADVICE. This is to all the women please SAY NO. No man can do for you what you can do for yourself. Keep praying IT'S GONNA HAPPEN FOR YOU.

What can we expect from you in the next 2 years or so ?

I am excited for 2019 because it will be HUGE. I will work harder than before but I need help. I can do it alone but it will take longer. It takes a village to raise a child - well in this case, build a leader. In 2 years period,I hope to launch my album ELEV8TEDPASSION, a Canadian tour, and a Malawian documentary about where I come from. Plus, be involved in other modelling and fashion gigs. So keep up with me on my IGTV litty so follow it

Who are other talented singers, songwriters, fashion stylist would hope to collaborate with?

STYLIST: Kanye, I want to model for ya, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kadeem Faustin (he from the 6ix side). I love his African accents in his clothes.

Plus, Neecee Lexy, I see you doing litty shit. I also want to work with Samantha Nyakuda from YYC. She is very bougie, that’s so me ya know. I’m actually manifesting her to be my personal designer which she will be one day. Her style is rather fancy and bougie. In my thirties, I imagine this kind of fashion. MUSIC: DRAKE help me manifest this part. I need Drake to hear my clout. Song writer JUSTINE TYRELL, she out here in YYC doing her thing, she on top of her shit.. AO just came out with TAGS, I fuck with him. We working on CLOUT, so be on the lookout. WELL DAMM GIRL!!! I will be on the lookout for sure. Yes, I will be happy to work with you in the fashion department anytime. If you happen to come to my city & shoot your music video, consider it done. Thank you so much for allowing us to have this wonderful interview. You're a talented person with an incredible voice. Continue to produce great music girl and go global #superstarontherise. I look forward to re-interviewing you in the near future.