ST. LUCIA
Rising Star MonCherie sings in a pop style over R&B/Pop music as well as Soca and Reggae inspired tracks. No Santa was a big hit, now being followed closely by her new video for Billy Boom Boom.
On being a singer: "There is nothing else I want to be in this world. "
CGR: You moved from the pageant world to becoming a pop singer. What has inspired you to become a pop singer?
MonCherie: I was born a singer, that was always in my heart. Being in pageants was something that came later on in my life. First of all, I knew that I was blessed with a great talent and I wanted to use it for a greater good. It inspires me when I make people happy by listening to my music.
CGR: Do you write your lyrics and collaborate on the vocal arrangement of the tracks?
MonCherie: Yes I have a very close writing team, I have been working with them for years. I do write my material as well.
CGR: You display some hot moves in your big hit video for "No Santa"-- tell us about the concepts behind the video shoot and the choreography.
MonCherie: The video is all about having fun and enjoying the holiday season in a different way. Traditionally, Christmas songs focus on Santa Claus, kissing under the mistletoe, milk and cookies, stuff like that! I wanted to add a twist to it by saying I don't want Santa, I want to party and I want a man with a body like a tonka! The video and the choreography conveys that. It is fun, sexy and Caribbean inspired.
CGR: We know that being a performer can be a lot of work, busy schedules and long hours sometimes. How do you unwind and relax?
MonCherie: Outside of my music career, I am actually a pretty low-key person. I like to unwind by spending time with my cat and loved ones...maybe take a mini vacation.
CGR: If you were not a performer, what would you be doing today?
MonCherie: There is nothing else I want to be in this world. But I do love helping children in need so maybe I would be a missionary or something like that.
CGR: How has being a Caribbean girl made you who you are today?
MonCherie: Growing up in St. Lucia has given me a different perspective on life. I have seen my grandmother sell bakes and chicken to provide for my family. I have lived in a wooden house for many years, so it has given me a great appreciation for the little things, things like hot water. I love being a Caribbean girl and I love my culture because it plays a huge role in the person I am today.
CGR: What do people not know about St. Lucia?
MonCherie: People who haven't visited St. Lucia do not know how beautiful it is. It is truly one of the most beautiful places, and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
CGR: What are your top five songs of all time?
MonCherie: My favorite songs are 1. Bob Marley: 3 little birds, 2. Lady Saw: Chat to Mi Back 3 Rihanna: Rude Boy 4. Lauryn Hill: Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. 5. Vybz Kartel: Benz Punany
CGR: Which artists do you look up to and would like to collaborate with?
MonCherie: I look up to most artists who are successful and living their dreams because it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Nothing comes easy. As far as collaborations, I would like to worked with a hardcore dancehall artist like Mavado or Alkaline .
CGR: What is up next for MonCherie?
MonCherie: Next is the release of my new music video for the song Billy Boom, which is going to take the music industry by storm. Also, I have some great things I am working on for the year of 2015. I'm very excited, and I hope the fans are ready!