JANELLE MONÁE
As a singer, songwriter, rapper and actor, Monáe has won multiple prizes, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and eight Grammy nominations. Following the release of their first studio album for five years, our Musician of the Year talks to Yohana Desta about wild dreams, red lipstick and recording with Grace Jones.
What is your party trick?
‘Disappearing.’
A seasonal book you love ‘Mindset by Dr Carol S Dweck.
It is a must-read for everybody.’ Your favourite festive food ‘Festival bread. It’s a soundstage on top, mustard on the bottom. You bite it and then you get a cymbal.’ Your motto for 2024 ‘There’s a great Bethann Hardison quote: “I never think people change. They become more of who they are.” I would sum up my evolution like that.’
PATSY STEVENSON
Following her arrest at a vigil held for Sarah Everard in 2021, our Campaigner of the Year legally challenged the Metropolitan Police; in September, she received an apology and damages as part of a settlement. In this issue, she explains why there is still work to do. What is your party trick? ‘I’m able to guess almost any song from hearing the first second of its intro.’
A seasonal book you love ‘Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights – I’m a fan of the whole series.’ Awoman you’d like to have lunch with ‘Emma Watson. When I was younger, I related to Hermione. Seeing the work Emma has done, especially her campaigning for the He For She movement, has inspired me.’
GUGU MBATHA-RAW
Mbatha-Raw has starred in television series such as Netflix’s Black Mirror, and films including Motherless Brooklyn and Misbehaviour. Her humanitarian work in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador has earnt her our Philanthropist award.
A seasonal book you love ‘The Snowman is a classic – I always end up watching the animation on TV at Christmas.’
A woman you’d like to have lunch with ‘Cate Blanchett. I’ve met her a couple of times through UNHCR – she’s the most grounded, talented actress, and she makes great choices. I’d like to chat with her about her career.’
Your favourite festive food ‘I love it when you can get a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine on the go.’ Your motto for 2024 ‘Embrace the rollercoaster.’
MAGGIE O’FARRELL
O’Farrell is the author of several bestselling novels, including The Marriage Portrait, I Am, I Am, I Am and This Must be the Place. This spring, her Women’s Prize for Fiction winner Hamnet was adapted for the stage; as its film version takes shape, our Writer of the Year reflects on the impact of success and how life influences fiction. What is your party trick? ‘I can
