Monica Trapaga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Monica Trapaga
Trapaga in July 2013
Background information
Born	1965 (age 59–60) Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia
Genres	Jazz, children's music
Occupation(s)	Singer, TV presenter, writer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1985–present
Labels	rooArt/PolyGram
Associated acts	Pardon Me Boys, Monica and the Moochers, Monica Trapaga and the Bachelor Pad

Monica Maria Trapaga (born 1965) is an Australian singer, TV presenter, and writer. She is well-known for her work on the children's TV show Play School from 1990 to 1998. She also sang the theme song for Bananas in Pyjamas starting in 1992.

Monica is the youngest sister of Ignatius Jones, who is famous for directing events, writing, acting, and being a musician. Besides children's entertainment, Monica is also a talented jazz singer. She has been part of several music groups and has even written cookbooks.

About Monica Trapaga

Early Life and Family

Monica Trapaga was born in 1965 in Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia. She grew up as the youngest child in a lively family. Her father, Nestor Juan Trápaga, was Spanish-Chinese, and her mother, Margot, was Spanish-American.

Her older siblings were born in the Philippines before the family moved to Sydney. Monica remembers her family being "fairly crazy Latin." She grew up surrounded by all kinds of music, from jazz to opera. Her father especially loved jazz music.

Music Career

Monica Trapaga has had a long and exciting music career. She is known for her jazz singing and has been part of several bands.

Pardon Me Boys

In 1985, Monica became the lead singer of a swing jazz band called Pardon Me Boys. Her older brother, Ignatius Jones, was also in this band. In 1988, they released an album that was praised for its harmonies. Monica later left the band because she wanted to focus more on being a musician.

Monica and the Moochers

In July 1988, Monica started her own band in Sydney called Monica and the Moochers. This band played music that sounded like the late 1940s and 1950s. Their first album, Too Darn Hot, came out in 1990. Critics were impressed by Monica's powerful voice.

In 1991, they released their second album, Cotton on the Breeze. Monica co-wrote some of the songs on this album. The group was even nominated for an ARIA Award in 1992. They performed at Sydney's first International Jazz Festival.

TV and Other Work

Monica Trapaga is widely recognized for her work on television. She was a popular presenter on Play School for eight years. During this time, she also began recording music albums for children.

From 1997 to 2003, she appeared on Better Homes and Gardens. On this show, she shared tips about decorating. Since the early 2000s, Monica has also owned stores in Summer Hill and Newtown. In 2016, she was chosen to be the head judge for Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Family Life and Books

Monica Trapaga is a mother and is married to Simon Williams, a lawyer. They live in a unique home, which is a converted flour mill with five levels.

Monica has also written several books. In 2009, she released a cookbook called She's Leaving Home: Favourite Family Recipes for a Daughter to Take on Her Own Life Journey. In 2013, she co-wrote another cookbook with her daughter, titled A Bite of the Big Apple: My food adventure in New York.

Awards and Recognition

Monica Trapaga has received nominations and awards for her music, especially her children's songs.

APRA Music Awards

ARIA Music Awards