Posts tagged "HBCU"

Meet Saneit Monae!

Cool vibes + a captivating voice introduces talented singer/songwriter Saneit Monae! Authentic lyrics meshed with effortless soul, she continues to flourish on the musical scene while unleashing her passions and talents.

Hailing from Chicago, the songstress went on to graduate from Howard University with a major in Public Relations/ Graphic Design Minor. Her musical career continued in the D.C. area which created a platform for her creativity to blossom.

Saneit’s love of music began at the tender age of five being a member of her church’s youth choir and led to interests of a vocal coach at only ten years old. This opened up a new world for her as she began to write her own lyrics and recording at 16 years old.

She recently dropped her addictive singles + videos for “The Real Me” + “No Luv 4 U.”

Saneit says, “I always remind myself that when I sing I’m not singing for myself, it’s for someone else. My goal is to move my audience. I want them to hear how passionate I am from beginning to end. “

Let’s get to know Saneit Monae a little better…

Hailing from Chicago, what first led you to tap into + discover your soulful vocals?

Growing up in Chicago, I was first led into music by my home church. My mom noticed I could sing at the age of 3 and at the age of 5 I joined the children’s choir. I always sang songs around the house when I was a little girl. My mom would always blast her favorite CD’s and I think the very first vocalist I learned to sing from was Whitney Houston. My passion for music never died once I discovered it! My mom placed me in extracurricular activities where I could showcase my talents. By the age of 10, I was taking vocal lessons.

You’re a recent graduate of Howard Univesity who majored in PR with a minor of Graphic Design! How did attending a HBCU aid in molding your talents + discovering who you are?

Attending the number one HBCU in the nation was an incredible experience. This was my dream school, so I enjoyed everything that it offered me academically and socially. Howard gave me a space to find myself and grow as an artist. The university is filled with so many creative and talented individuals. Everyone is pretty much working towards the same goals. It’s inspiring, and I’ve learned from many of them. Throughout every semester, there were endless opportunities to show my talents. Even when I was denied after auditioning for certain showcases, it made me hungrier. I gained the greatest of friends and supporters during my four years. Howard is known for breeding the greatest, so I believe that I am the next special Bison. I also feel like I have big shoes to fill, but I’m ready. By Howard being in D.C., I also networked outside of campus. I’ve built relationships with independent artists from all over the city and gained mentorship from musicians who have been in the industry for several years.

You recently put out a dope video for the song “The Real Me”. There’s such a relatable line that says “You tell me I’m sweet but I act so tough.” Why is it important to express your authentic emotions, strength + personality through your lyrics?

One thing I’ve learned is that the audience loves to feel like they can relate. I know when I listen to songs I sometimes imagine myself as the artist and the emotions they’re going through, but that only happens through authentic music. I always remind myself that when I sing I’m not singing for myself, it’s for someone else. My goal is to move my audience. I want them to hear how passionate I am from beginning to end. I’ve always wanted my music to reflect my personality. I’ve never been shy or hid myself, so you have no choice but to feel me. I want to be so great that my song is on repeat. I want to make them wish the song never ended.

In a time where talent can come secondary behind tons of gimmicks, what’s one way you protect your individualism? Is their pressure to conform?

You have to stay true to who you are. While there are tons of gimmicks real recognize real. Anything fake will only last so long. I don’t feel any pressure to conform, because nothing unrealistic motivates me. I love me some me, and anything that prevents me from being who I am is not something I’m willing to sacrifice. I don’t know how to be anyone else and one thing’s for sure it’ll never be another Saneit. Growing up I was not the “it” girl, so I grew into this confidence I now have. I was the tall, skinny, dark skinned girl. For a while I started to believe that I wasn’t as cute as the other girls because I was flat chested, skinny, and my skin was dark. My mom made me read this book called “The Skin I’m In” and truthfully, I’ve loved and accepted myself ever since then. I’m protecting me at all cost. If God is for me who can be against me?

Being young, juggling responsibilities while walking towards your dreams can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?

Adulting makes you want to call your mom for every little thing. Some days I definitely want to be 16 again, but everyone has to grow up. It’s funny how everyone else around me looks at me and says how proud they are of me, meanwhile I’m struggling and juggling aka Mrs. Do It All. There are times where I want to stop, but I realize how far I’ve come. When I’m feeling overwhelmed I give myself a day or two of doing absolutely nothing. That means I’m not taking any hair appointments, I won’t write or listen to any music, I just need to be to myself and my thoughts. A lot of people don’t know, but I draw and that’s definitely quiet time for me. Just me and my pencil. I also keep a lot of emotions inside so I’ll probably cry in the shower and then I’m back to normal.

We are all about empowerment, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?

Empowerment to me is making the commitment to improve who you are and who you inspire. We are all constantly evolving, so everyday we are going through changes. There is power in words. I’ve been told when I speak people listen, so I will make it my business to use my voice for the betterment of others, whether I am speaking or singing.

What advice would you give girls who want to follow their dreams and passions but are nervous or intimidated?

For girls who are following their dreams and passions it is important that you know exactly who you are and what you’re capable of. Everything that you dream of is on the other side of fear. No one else can get up and go get up for you. No one else is going to set alarms for you and remind you to do what you’re supposed to do either. Know your calling and move accordingly. There isn’t anything impossible for you even if people attempt to stop you from getting it. Your gift will make room for you.

Time for faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?

This is funny, because I haven’t had a celebrity crush in so long but I’ll go with Quincy. He know he fine. I have more than one favorite artist, but everyone knows how much I love Monica. Musically, she gave birth to me because my mommy can’t sing. Shout out to my mommy though! My favorite food is pizza, but my favorite kind of food is Mexican food. My favorite movie is The Preacher’s Wife and Home Alone.

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