WHO’S NEXT SPOTLIGHT: Dejah Monea

Dejah Monae
Photo credit – Hot 97/Dejah Monae

Stage Name: Dejah Monea

Age: 21

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Describe your sound:

I identify my tone with being smooth and slightly flirtatious. As far as the type of music I create, it’s a reflection of my experiences so it’s forever evolving just as I am. Plus I’m not a big fan of labels. But right now I am more on the nostalgic wave definitely.
Who are the Top 5 artists (dead or alive) that inspires you as an artist?
It may be cliche to say Beyonce but it’s the truth. Beyonce was that star I grew up watching as a kid and will always inspire me. I love Brandy she has a legendary tone but her arrangements are what set her apart. Chance the rapper will always be in my top 5 just for the sake of Acid Rap. I feel like if there’s anyone I aspire to be like in this generation it’s H.E.R, she is everything. Lastly I really am inspired by Billie Holiday her vibrato will always be timeless.
How did you know this is what you wanted to do?
Music has always been there for me in every stage of my life, every emotion. I just want to be that for somebody else. Life is about connection and compilation of experiences. So when I realized music was my way to not only walk through my own emotions but also help others walk through theirs I had to keep doing that. Plus singing really isn’t a choice for me god put this calling on my life for a reason so I had to see it through.
What’s the name of the first track you ever recorded? What was your inspiration behind it?
This is a great question. The first song I ever recorded was called The Love Song. It was my first time experiencing somewhat of a real relationship, my first love. I made it as a way to communicate how strongly how I felt about him. I’m kind of bad with my words so I just decide to sing how I felt.
Tell us about your first performance.
My first performance was most likely in the church choir. I started singing around seven years old so I wasn’t too worried about being skillful. I just remember staring at this big light. I felt super heavy in a spiritual sense and aware of myself. I’m sure I looked like a robot! But as soon as the song was over my legs felt like jelly I was completely terrified to sing after that again

What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?

I think the craziest thing I have ever done was go streaking in my neighborhood with my best friends wearing duck tape as bikinis.

What has been your favorite quarantine hobby?
Right before everything with Covid-19 I had made up my mind to start taking better care of myself which mainly included working out and eating better. So the main thing that I’ve been doing is home workouts and educating myself about healing crystals.

What Made You Submit Your Music To Who’s Next?

I seen a fellow artist apply and thought it wouldn’t hurt to apply as well especially since I had just dropped an album previous to seeing the post.
Let us know why YOU are Next.
God has been building me up for this since I was seven years old. It’s me as a person and my own light that sets me apart. I have a calling on my life and I intend to see it through.

Where can people find your music?

My Instagram is dejahmoneaofficial
My website is Dejahmoneamusic.com
You can find my music, merchandise and more there.