Sonique (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sonique
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Sonique at the 7th Asian Awards in 2017
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Sonia Marina Clarke |
| Also known as | Sonique |
| Born | 21 June 1965 Crouch End, North London, England |
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| Years active | 1985–present |
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| Associated acts | S'Express |
Sonia Marina Clarke (born June 21, 1965), known as Sonique, is a British singer, musician, and DJ. She first became known as part of the dance band S'Express in the early 1990s. Later, she found even greater success as a solo artist. This was in the early to mid-2000s. During this time, she had several songs reach the top 20 in the UK. These hits included "It Feels So Good", "Sky", "I Put a Spell on You", and "Can't Make Up My Mind". In 2001, she won a BRIT Award for British Female Solo Artist.
Contents
Sonique's Early Life and Music Journey
Growing Up in London
Sonia Marina Clarke was born and grew up in Crouch End, London. Her parents came from Trinidad and Tobago. Her first record was "I Feel Love" by Donna Summer. When Sonique was sixteen, her mother moved back to Trinidad. Sonique chose to stay in London. She moved into the YMCA to live independently.
Starting Her Music Career
At age seventeen, a youth worker noticed her singing voice. They suggested she use her talent. Sonique then formed a reggae band called 'Fari'. She wrote all the music for the band. After Fari broke up, she worked to get a recording contract.
In 1985, Sonique released her first single, "Let Me Hold You." It was published by Cooltempo. This song reached the top 40 on the UK Dance Chart.
In 1990, she worked on a song called "Zombie Mantra." This song was on the album Set the Controls for the Heart of the Bass. This was the first album from William Orbit's project, Bass-O-Matic. Soon after, she joined DJ Mark Moore again. She had previously sung for his group S'Express. Their dance-pop duo had hits on the UK Singles Chart. One of these was "Nothing to Lose". After S'Express ended, Mark Moore gave her a gift. It was a set of turntables and a mixer. This is how she started learning to DJ.
Becoming a DJ and Solo Star
Her DJ Career Takes Off
For three years, Sonique went to gigs with Mark Moore. She also went with her childhood friend Judge Jules. She eventually signed with Serious Records in London. Her first single with them was "I Put a Spell on You". This song was produced by Chris Allen and Graeme Pleeth. From 1997 to 1999, she was a resident DJ at Club Manumission in Ibiza.
In 1998, UK promoters Fantazia noticed her. They asked her to mix one of the discs for their album. It was called Fantazia British Anthems Summertime. This album sold very well and was certified gold in the UK.
Releasing Her First Solo Album
Sonique released her first solo album, Hear My Cry, in 1998. It was re-released in 2000. The album's big hit, "It Feels So Good", was number one in the UK for three weeks. This was in May and June of that year. It stayed in the Top 40 for 14 weeks. It became the UK's third best-selling single of 2000. In 2001, after the huge success of "It Feels So Good", she decided to focus more on singing. She still returned to DJing for special events.
Later Albums and Health Journey
New Music and Challenges
In 2004, Sonique announced she was working on a new album. It was called On Kosmo. The first song from it was "Another World". It reached number 57 in Germany in 2004. "Why" was released in Spring 2005. It reached number 90 in Germany.
Another song, "Alone", was chosen as the next single. But the album release was delayed. So, the single was canceled. When a new release date was set for September 2006, "Sleezy" was chosen. However, "Sleezy" was also canceled when the album was delayed again. On Kosmo was finally released on November 13, 2006. It did not chart high in the UK. Still, Sonique was a celebrity guest at the 2006 World Music Awards in London.
Overcoming Health Issues
In 2007, after promoting On Kosmo, Sonique continued touring Europe. A new song, "Better Than That", was shared online in October 2008. People liked it a lot. Because of this, the song was made available to download legally.
In June 2009, Sonique faced a health challenge. She received medical treatment in London. After her operations, she had further treatment to help her recover. By 2010, she was given the all clear! She celebrated by appearing on a cover song. It was Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want To Have Fun". This song was released to raise money for the Cancer Research UK charity.
The single "World of Change" came out on October 23, 2009. Its official video was posted on YouTube.
In 2011, her album Sweet Vibrations was released. It included the songs "Better Than That" and "World of Change".
In March 2024, Sonique performed a sold-out show at the Royal Festival Hall. She had special guests like Baby-D and Rozalla. Her band also included a string section and a choir. On June 27, 2024, Sonique performed a DJ set at the Glastonbury Festival.
Awards and Recognition
Sonique has received several awards and nominations for her music.
- In 2001, she won a BMI Pop Award for "It Feels So Good".
- She also won an Ivor Novello Award for "International Hit of the Year" for the same song.
- The International Dance Music Awards named her "Best New Dance Artist Solo".
- She also won "DanceStar of the Year" at the DanceStar Awards.
- Her biggest win was the BRIT Award for British Female Solo Artist in 2001.
See also
In Spanish: Sonique para niños
- List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
