Monyel, born Monique Monyel Martin, in Columbus, OH, is an aspiring singer-songwriter. She came from a very unstable environment, so she used music as an escape mechanism to deal with the chaos surrounding her. “During my childhood we moved around a lot…there were times when we didn’t have a place to stay.” Feeling ashamed and embarrassed by her situation her self-esteem was low, but she found solace in singing. Monyel began singing in her elementary music class. Realizing her passion, she continued singing in her middle school choir and throughout high school. She eventually graduated high school with the guidance of her aunt and went to college to obtain a bachelors degree. Despite having a degree, Monyel moved to Atlanta to pursue her dream of being a singer-songwriter. She has labeled herself a hard-working go-getter marching to the beat of her own drum. “I’m not afraid to go against the grain and create my own movement.” 

 

Monyel plans to take the old school approach by paying her dues performing in various open-mic venues and clubs. Monyel says, “My inspiration comes from the streets, real people, real-life situations and real struggles…so that’s where I’m going to start. It’s important for me to connect with people and build a solid fan base.”  Monyel has been musically influenced by multi-platinum artist, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and Aaliyah. Her style of music has a sense of rawness and realness to it which people can appreciate and relate to. “I don’t want my fans to just listen to my music…I want them to feel it.” 

 

 For her upcoming project we can definitely expect a real life mirror of Monyel, which will reflect her pain and her passions.