Back in your playlist - with purpose, faith, and fire: Mickey Monarch’s gospel transformation.
- Oct 5
- 4 min read
Back in your playlist with more than just music, but a gospel-inspired sound that plants seeds of hope, positivity, and transformation, Sindile Madida, known by her stage name Mickey Monarch, is here to serve again. At just 26, this Kensington-born rapper from Johannesburg has redefined her artistry, shifting the message from the bold beats of hip-hop to the spiritual rhythm of gospel music.
Her musical journey began in 2017, and her debut album Miss President quickly turned heads across Mzansi. “Miss President received an enthusiastic, favourable, and positive reception,” Mickey recalls with a smile. “It showed everyone that I’m a born leader - a straightforward person who loves justice. Mzansi understood that I’m passionate about my music and that nothing can stop me from following my dreams.”
But behind the success came deep revelation. “The release of Miss President taught me that I need to put God first in everything, not just at home, but also in my musical journey,” she reflects. “The industry is filled with darkness and opportunistic people. I learned that I can’t put my trust in people, but only in God, because people change, but God is the same forever.”
Mickey’s transformation wasn’t just a gradual shift, it was a divine awakening. She recounts a spiritual encounter that completely changed her direction, “The Devil came to me in my room and took me to hell, telling me to deny my faith if I wanted fame, money, and power. I said NO and called upon the name of Jesus. Then He came, lifted me out of hell, and asked me if I accepted Him as my Lord and Saviour. I said YES.”
That moment, which she describes as both terrifying and liberating, set her on a new path. “From that day, I knew God was real. I’ve witnessed His strength, love, compassion, and restoration. He became my biggest desire, my healer, my provider, and my redeemer.”
Out of her rebirth comes a new body of work, her first gospel album, Faith Like This, released on 20 September 2025. “This project was inspired by the fact that I had to have great faith in God for it to even come together,” she shares. “People in the industry pulled away from me, I lost support, and many gave up on my vision. But God made a way where there seemed to be none.”
Produced with the help of longtime collaborators Wave Beats, Phantom Panda, Duke Illington (USA), and Sabio Kronos, the project was recorded under challenging circumstances. “I had to record from home, it was tough. But the Holy Spirit guided me through every song. Each track came from real situations I was going through during my transition,” she says.
Unlike her earlier work, Faith Like This features no collaborations. “I wanted to reintroduce myself, to let people understand my new direction and vision. I also didn’t want to force my beliefs onto anyone. This project is deeply personal; it’s between me and God.”
The shift from hip-hop to gospel wasn’t just a change in genre, it was a change in spirit. “Creating gospel music was peaceful, educative, and beautiful,” Mickey explains. “With this sound, I’m creating praises to God, not responses to negativity. It’s music born from love and purpose.”
She’s also proud to mark a milestone in African music. “I’ve become the first female artist in Africa to move from earthly music to gospel. All glory be to God.”
Her message to fans is simple yet profound, “My new music is for the Lord. I have no expectations from people, I just pray that the songs please Him. But I do hope they inspire others to seek God, to find healing, restoration, and hope.”
Beyond the music, Mickey speaks candidly about personal growth. “Knowing God has changed how I think, create, and carry myself,” she says. “I’ve learned to walk in the Spirit, to set boundaries, and to stop pleasing people. I know my worth, and I no longer settle for less, in love, in friendship, or in my career.”
Through heartbreak, betrayal, and loss, she’s discovered her true strength. “I’ve become a woman with a quiet but powerful spirit. I’m no longer fearful. I’ve learned to love even those who hurt me, because their actions brought me closer to God.”
As she puts it, “Love conquers all, because God’s love is limitless. With great power comes great responsibility, and God has given me the power of my voice. So, when I create, I think of purpose, message, and impact. Everything I do now is for His glory.”
With Faith Like This, Mickey Monarch isn’t just returning to the mic, she’s reclaiming her divine calling. From hip-hop’s heat to heaven’s harmony, her story is one of courage, conviction, and faith in action.
Her new project is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.
As she says, “All glory be to the one and only God.”
For more, visit:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickeymonarch/
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