Matt Fiddes, is one of the most respected experts in the international world of martial arts and fitness. Matt’s achievements have seen him honoured at the highest level, after being inducted into the UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame and presented with the prestigious ‘Martial Arts Superstar Award’.
He has numerous celebrity clientele including actors, supermodels and singers and is recognized globally for his contributions to safety education and training.
Undoubtedly Matt’s biggest client was superstar and singing sensation, Michael Jackson. Introduced to Matt by his close friend Uri Geller, Matt was Michael’s personal UK bodyguard for over a decade before his tragic death in June 2009.
However, it’s Matt’s wife who is in the spotlight at present with her new album, Colourful. Moniqe Fiddes is a South African born pop-star from Witbank, who recently released her much anticipated album, Colourful, after having taken some time off between settling down in the UK and starting a family. After only 2 weeks, her hit single “Colourful” had already risen to number #2 on the South African iTunes charts in the “Singer/Songwriter” category.
Moniqe is no stranger to success and stardom having been in the music industry for over 10 years. In 2009 she was signed to an independent record company in South Africa and in 2010 she released her first album, called “Ek Kan”. Her hit single “Tell me Y” reached over 230 000 views within the first 2 months.
Moniqe is not only a singer but a successful business woman as well. When Moniqe is not recording or singing, she proudly works alongside her husband as Director of the MF Martial Arts Academy.
Her latest album, which debuted on the 9th October 2020, features a more mature and dynamic Moniqe who has been compared to the likes of Kylie Minogue.
“This album is very special to me. I have personally written the lyrics and music, and worked with a former EMI producer and engineer who has produced albums for some of the biggest pop stars out there which is such an honour. ‘Flying High in Love’ is my favourite song as I always dreamt of a fairytale love story and mine came true in 2012 when I met my husband, so the song resonates deeply with me.” Moniqe says.
Moniqe’s tone and style has been compared to the likes of Kyle Minogue but Moniqe believes that through this album, people will get the opportunity to get to know her as an artist as well as her music, and experience the positive impact she hopes to make on those who come in contact with her music. She describes the album as a “happy album” that can be enjoyed no matter the occasion.
More Than Food Mag caught up with Matt in their UK-based home, and got his thoughts on his wife’s new album.
How proud are you of Moniqe releasing her new album?
Matt: I am so, so proud of her! Being a mum is hard enough! She refuses to have cleaners at home and looks after the house herself too! She is an amazing singer and I am fully behind her and this album!
As her husband, what would you describe as her best trait when it comes to her work ethic?
Matt: She is very hard working! And is an amazing wife and Mum. Without her, I would never have been able to go on and grow the business to new heights. I owe it all to her support and advice. She is always behind me and with her support and love, I know I can get through every challenge.
Describe what it’s been like behind the scenes watching this album come to life?
Matt: She has a studio at home so I have been able to hear the album from the start and have been a big part of it. When she was at the recording studios I would always be outside working from the car. Amazing to watch! She is very creative!
Which is your fav song on the album and why?
Matt: “Is a Diamond” I think it’s about me haha! I hope it is anyway!! I really like the tune!
Moniqe’s album, Colourful, can be found on iTunes, Spotify and all other digital platforms.
Follow their journey: