You might not be attending the Vodacom Durban July to gamble on the horses, but you can bet on Patty Monroe (pictured).
The 19-year-old Capetonian rapper who relocated to Joburg to concentrate on her music career, has been on the rise since the release of her single, High Fashion, which was produced by house music maverick, Culoe de Song.
Monroe will share the stage at the Jack Daniel’s Boomtown lounge at the July with the likes of K.O, AKA, Mafikizolo, Black Coffee, WTF and Jack Daniel’s Music Scouts 2014 winner, Gigi Lamayne (Ice Cream).
When I caught up with her, the barely-allowed-to-drink upstart was hosting a fan meet-and-greet at the Liquid Chefs bar.
Plugging her latest single, Stay Focused, in conversation during the intimate setting, it’s clear that Monroe has laser focus on her career. She shares that she’s learnt some big lessons in a small amount of time.
“The most challenging thing for me was signing a contract,” says Monroe. “I had just turned 19 and had the contract, and I felt like it was saying I was basically married now. I didn’t sign it and got a little depressed.”
But, eventually she reasoned that signing with Afterlife Talent was best and her naturally bubbly personality returned.
Monroe’s brand is a kaleidoscope of fun. Her mane of curls is a bright blonde and her High Fashion video is a colour-blocking party.
Sandwiched between a fan and his sister, Patty Boom-Boom – as the catchy, repeated line in High Fashion refers to her – watches the music video on a phone.
“That’s before I started to work out.” Monroe, who has been working out with a personal trainer for the past four months, cups a hand over her mouth. The sister seems impressed and remarks that she doesn’t know much about hip hop.
“Do you know me,” Monroe quizzes before the sister nods.
“Okay then,” Monroe grins.
When the drink that Monroe has designed especially for her fans is ready, she excuses herself to go taste it privately.
“I have to listen to my song first before I put it out to people,” she tells me, “so, in the same way, I have to see the drink first.”
Two different drinks in tall glasses arrive and Monroe points to a pink one before saying: “You don’t know what you’re getting with this one. Just like Patty at 19.”
Then she turns her attention to a solid but layered with blue drink and smiles: “That is Patty at 20.” Monroe definitely still has a long way to go with regards to establishing her own voice in the music industry, but for now, it’s safe to have your money on her. And the horses. Definitely the horses.
• The Jack Daniel’s Boomtown marquee will be at the Vodacom Durban July tomorrow. Tickets at Computicket.