South African-born songstress and businesswoman, Moniqe Fiddes, has once again made her mark on the radio charts with her latest single, Because I am a Woman. This song not only celebrates the essence of womanhood but also the bonds of motherhood and sisterhood.
This track marks Moniqe’s return to the music scene since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. During this tumultuous period in history, Moniqe released a full album titled, Colourful, featuring a diverse range of songs, from upbeat pop numbers to slow dance tunes.
Moniqe is renowned for her versatile lyricism, effortlessly crossing genres and achieving success in each endeavour. Because I am a woman is a testament to female empowerment, composed by a woman herself.
Moniqe explains, “This song aims to inspire women to become the best versions of themselves.”
Moniqe recently made headlines in the UK for her extensive property portfolio in the southwest of the country, solidifying her status as one of the region’s wealthiest women. Despite her flourishing business endeavours, her love and passion for music remain unwavering.
Because I am a woman is a robust and inspirational track, featuring Moniqe’s honeyed vocals that have grown tremendously powerful over the last decade. The lyrics resonate with the postfeminism movement, addressing the notion that true gender equality has yet to be realised and challenging gender stereotypes.
Moniqe candidly reflects in her lyrics:
“Radio won’t play me, they objectify me, because I’m a woman. They taught me to curtsey, but they taught you to achieve. They say Adam came before Eve – don’t think less of me because I’m a woman. I fight harder, love stronger. I’m a daughter, I’m a mother.”
For this mother of three, being a woman means remaining dedicated in everything one does. Moniqe emphasises, “Confidence gives a woman strength.”
Born in Witbank, now known as Emalahleni, a mining town in the Mpumalanga province, Moniqe openly acknowledges her humble beginnings. “I grew up very poor,” she admits. “There were times when we only had bread to eat.”
Moniqe embarked on her musical journey at the tender age of sixteen, leaving school to pursue her passion for singing. Her indomitable spirit allowed her to transform the negativity of bullying into inspiration for her artistry.
She elaborates, “I’m a very ambitious woman with big dreams. I signed with a record company in South Africa at sixteen and left school to start my career. Later, I attended a course in MC and Performing Arts, receiving an A+ in TV and Drama from renowned actress Brumilda van Rensburg.”
Moniqe’s life took on a fairy-tale quality when she married business mogul Matt Fiddes at the age of nineteen. Nearly a decade later, this dynamic couple has graced magazine covers and appeared on hit UK TV shows, earning them the title of the season’s hottest couple.
Because I am a woman serves as a poignant reminder that a song can be a powerful instrument for achieving true emancipation. It resonates with the belief that dreams are never arbitrary and that every woman must live with passion.
