The First Welsh Woman Of Colour To Go Professional in Boxing: ‘Monique B’

Envision a world where one woman could be a singer, songwriter, DJ, professional boxer and all-round high-achiever, That is the world Monique B hopes to help shape, as she juggles not one, not two, but four passions with incredible talent and determination.

Born and raised in Cardiff, Monique’s journey began with a deep-rooted passion for music and an innate love for boxing. From being exposed to various genres of music and attending several concerts and music festivals as a child, to watching boxing matches on television with her father, She seems to have been inspired by all creative experiences around her,

“Growing up, I was always drawn to music and loved expressing myself through it. However, I also found solace and empowerment in boxing, which I started as a form of self-defense.”

These passions, seemingly distant yet interconnected, would come to define her unique path in life. A path she freely speaks about in this exclusive interview with KLAT.

From a young age, she realised that both music and boxing allowed her to tap into her creative and physical sides, as a result, she became determined to pursue them both. The motivation came from a desire to challenge herself and push her boundaries, and to show that one could excel in multiple fields with dedication and hard work.

Her love for music blossomed into a full-fledged career as she joined the all-female band, Baby Queens. Together, they shattered stereotypes and inspired countless women with their powerful vocals. Releasing singles like, “Tired of Love,” and “Red Light,” while reaching over 8 million Spotify streams and gracing prestigious stages like BBC Radio 1 and Scotland’s T in the Park.

But Monique’s creative spirit craved more.

After significant success with Baby Queens, the singer decided to venture into a solo career, in a move she described as, “the freedom to experiment various musical influences, resulting in a more diverse and eclectic sound that reflects my personal growth as an artist,” those influences include but are not limited to, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Eva Cassidy, Tupac, Biggie and so many more Hip-Hop artist of the 90s/2000s, through those inspirations, she released solo singles such as “Put it On You,” and “Hypnotize,” to wide acclaim.

Her passion for creating experiences extends beyond music though, as she’s shared the stage with legends like Sean Paul and Tyga, which not only allowed her to showcase her skills and enhance her reputation as a DJ but also opened doors for her professionally, and helped her gain valuable industry connections.

But Monique’s journey was not just confined to music sets and stages, as she holds the title of the first Welsh woman of colour to turn professional in boxing, Her decision to pursue boxing as a career is a combination of her admiration for the sport and a desire to challenge societal expectations. This feat came with it’s own immense challenges along the way, challenges she easily mentions as “Stereotypes and biases within the industry, lack of representation, and the pressure to prove myself even more.“

However, she believes that these challenges have only made her stronger and more determined to succeed.

The singer, who also seized the opportunity to add a master’s degree in songwriting and production to her accolades, shares that her decision to pursue further education stemmed from several factors, including a desire to enhance her skills and knowledge in this field and her deep passion for music.

“Firstly, I believe that education is a continuous process, and obtaining a master’s degree allowed me to explore a specialised area in-depth. It provided me with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of songwriting and production.”

In recent times, Monique has also ventured into podcasting and fashion, Her podcast, “Buxy’s World,” began due to her passion for creating a platform where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to share their perspectives and ideas. She shares, “I believe that podcasts are a powerful medium to foster meaningful conversations and connect with a wide audience. It provides an opportunity to explore various topics and shed light on different aspects of our world. Through Buxy’s World, I aim to bring people together to discuss thought-provoking subjects that encourage critical thinking and inspire change.”

Her fashion brand, Buxys clothing was also born out of the desire to create a brand that caters to both genders, breaking away from traditional gender norms and providing fashion-forward options for everyone. “I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves through clothing that makes them feel confident and empowered, regardless of gender. The Boohoo man collaboration is a testament to that, and I’m proud to have made noise with that to inspire other masc. presenting women to rock a look they are comfortable with. “

“I truly hope to inspire others to express themselves freely and confidently, understanding that art and creativity are subjective and personal.”

Despite her solo ventures, Monique shares that she is back in the studio with Baby Queens, as they are currently working on their second album, which will showcase a unique blend of R&B, soul, and pop music. Fans can expect a collection of heartfelt and empowering songs that reflect their personal journey and experiences due to the fact that they are collaborating with talented songwriters and producers to create a new sound that is both authentic and captivating.

When asked about her advise to young artists in the industry, she shares, “Just go for it, don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, if you face a loss, get back up and go again, no one can walk in your shoes and no one can judge something they’ve never experienced.“

From her roots in music and boxing, to her ventures into DJing, podcasting, fashion, and beyond. Monique fearlessly embraces all of her passions, She is everything, and more. So, the next time you hear her gentle vocals or witness her knockout punch, remember the name Monique B – a true creative, redefining what it means to live a life without limits.

Read more Cover Stories From KLATMAG

Photographer: Taiye Omokore @taiye_omokore

Styling: Chief Kikem  @chief_kikem

Assistant Photographer: Laurine Johnson @laurine_j.x

Interviewer: Dami Akinkunmi @ddamiiii

Article: Angel Joanne Okonkwo @_angeljo

Boxing Glove: RingMaster Sports @ringmaster_sports

Studio: @thecreativeplugcymru

Editorial Director: Taiye Omokore