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Mona’s mission . . . Singer intent on hitting the world stage

by Barbados Today
4 min read
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Music is the ultimate form of self-expression for singer Ramona Charles. It provides this introvert with an outlet to say what otherwise she finds difficult to verbalize. However, her quiet demeanour belies the passion that roars within her for the artform. The only other thing that brings this spiritual performer peace is being at one with nature.

Mona, as she is affectionately known, finds that her journey as an entertainer has not only been empowering but also therapeutic.

“Music is the way I connect with the world and it brings me joy,” she told Bajan Vibes during an interview.

“No matter what situation I faced, I could find a related song, and I loved that feeling. So, I decided to pursue the talent because I wanted to connect with the world, using my music to touch and heal others, like it touched and healed me.”

Mona’s mother Hazel Charles has a special place in her heart. “My mom is my best friend, my advisor, my councillor and my confidante. I can tell her anything.”

It was she who fostered her love of the stage as a child. She recalled: “I was my mother’s backup singer, along with three of my siblings. We had performed at Tim’s on the Highway, NIFCA and the Spirit of the Nation Show.”

Some of the greats of the industry have fuelled her motivation to enter this field.  “My main music inspirations are The Isley Brothers, Boyz II Men, Lauren Hill, Destiny’s Child, Monica, Mario, Chris Brown and Usher, just to name a few.”

She told Bajan Vibes: “I became fond of their music when I was much younger, with many memories of singing their music with my siblings and having the antics of a professional singer while doing it. They are my inspiration since I am a storyteller through my music, and all the artistes I mentioned know how to tell stories that we can all relate to through their music. So I admire that.”

Eventually, Ramona joined a poetry group by the name of Voices, which cemented her love of performance.

“Rhythm and music found their way to my soul. It became my escape through many hurdles which life had thrown at me. It healed the heart and soothed the mind,” she added.

Mona wants her music to do the same for others. “My music is therapeutic, intimate, heart-warming, sensual, uplifting. It’s often what I want to say, but my anxiety does not allow me to say it in person.”

However, she does not want to be a carbon copy of anyone in the market and strives to bring her own distinctive flair.

“I am always myself. God created us all different. Therefore, there is something unique in me, as it is in you. My musical expression comes from my authenticity, which makes it unique.”

Beyond her love for music, Ramona inherited her penchant for songwriting from her mother. She penned her debut single, I Got You, which has been in heavy rotation on the airways.

Mona recognises that being in the music industry is especially hard for females since persons have their ulterior motives, which may not be in your best interest.

“However, I am a woman of integrity and refuse to be deceived or misled. I overcame because of my focus and trust in the process and not wanting to take any regretful shortcuts,” she stated.

Though her solo career is relatively fresh, the determined 25-year-old has some firm goals set for herself. At the forefront is branding. She wants to master her craft and get her name out there as a quality singer. When that objective is achieved, she is focused on international stardom.

She said: “I have some work to do but with faith, prayer and hard work I know someday these dreams will come to pass.”

Even with her aspirations of excelling, she is determined to remain true to who she is. “I’m not proud or arrogant. I always remember the humble beginnings I’ve come from, all who have contributed to my well-being, thus far, making me very appreciative of the ones who remain in my life even today now I’m grown.”

She emphatically assured: “I am unapologetically me!” (STT)

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