As we continue to celebrate Black History month during February, we’ve been showcasing and highlighting artists that have shaped popular culture and made an impact far beyond their respected craft. In this episode of Black excellence, we’ll take a look at who some are calling America’s most revolutionary artist: Janelle Monáe .

Born in Kansas City, Janelle was exposed to music at an early while being raised in the church. While always encouraged, the dream of becoming a famous singer couldn’t be further from reality as Janelle had to overcome obstacles early on. She comes from very humble beginnings, and while that in itself can be a crippling disadvantage, her father also battled with addiction. To quote Janelle directly “I come from a very hard working class family who make nothing into something… I’ve never forgotten where I’ve come from.” Those humble beginnings laid the foundation for success in her entertainment career.

Singing wasn’t the only thing Janelle was talented at… She was also a fantastic playwright. At just 12 years old, she penned a script that told the story of a boy and a girl who were competing for the love of a plant… A story inspired by Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants. She received a scholarship to study musical theatre at the American Musical an Dramatic Academy in New York, however it wasn’t the right fit for her. Feeling creatively stifled, Janelle decided to move to Atlanta and her breakthrough would come soon after.

While in the ATL, Janelle was on the music circuit trying to make a name for herself as a singer/songwriter. Her quest had her performing at an open mic one night, when just by chance Big Boi of the legendary Hip Hop duo Outkast was in the audience. Thoroughly impressed with her performance, she would start working with the group and make appearances on their Purple Ribbon All Stars Album, and soundtrack for feature film Idlewild. Following this, she caught the attention of infamous record producer Sean Puff Daddy Combs, and signed to Bad Boy Records. Her debut album, The ArchAndroid was released in 2010 and nominated for a Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammys. In 2012, she enjoyed the #1 Spot on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as in 12 other countries with her feature on Fun’s “We Are Young”. She was also named one of the new faces of CoverGirl saying “It's time that women truly owned their superpowers and used their beauty and strength to change the world around them.

While an exceptional musician and singer, her opportunity to fulfill her acting dreams came to fruition in 2016 starring in the brad pitt executive produced, Oscar winning film Moonlight. Moonlight, a powerful drama that explores a young man’s difficulties with sexuality, identity and emotions as he matures, launched Janelle into the spotlight. In 2018, she covered Rolling Stone magazine describing herself as “a Black Queer Woman.” Later I read about pansexuality and was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too.’ I’m open to learning more about who I am.”

It should come as no surprise that she is willing to give back to the communities that rally and support her endeavours. In 2020, she was 1 of many high profile celebrities that offered to pay bail for the protestors in Minnesota following the killing of George Floyd. She is also a co-chair in Michelle Obama’s “When We Vote” campaign, and has
performed to benefit many human rights campaigns including “Turning Up The
Fight Against Poverty”

Art as a word in itself is subjective. What is art? Can it actually be defined? Or is it just expression in any form? If that is the case, and that is the answer then who is America’s Most Revolutionary artists? Whether it be music, musicals, plays, movies, or television… I think it’s safe to say it is Janelle Monae. From small beginnings to substantial impact, Janelle Monáe  is black excellence.

Check back for more #BlackExcellence​​​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​​​