Princess Menen Won’t Back Down

REGGAE artiste Princess Menen is on a musical high. Her single Sweetest Sound is featured in the recently released movie Won’t Back Down.

The film - directed by Daniel Barnz and stars Maggie Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis and Holly Hunter - is about two mothers’ desire to transform their children’s failing inner-city school.

The artiste says she identifies with the movie’s plot.

“Many people in the school system don’t want to see the children excel because of their background, race, learning ability or because there’s a quota as to how many students should be promoted or stay back,” says Princess Menen, who was born in America to Grenadian parents.

“There are some teachers who love what they do and want to make a difference; I had a few in my days,” she continues.

Born in Brooklyn, Princess Menen, whose Yaa’ Asantewaa Lewis, embraced reggae music and Rastafari since age 14.

Now in her late 20s, the artiste says she got her start by opening in Brooklyn for Jamaican deejay Capleton in 1998.

She made her recording debut with Notting But Love, a duet with Chrisinti, and Listen to Me Sing, produced by Sidney Mills (Living Room Studios).

Looking ahead, Princess Menen she is focused on completing an album.

“Let’s see what beautiful music comes out of this,” she says.

(from Jamaica Observer)