Cocktails With – Denyque Dontré
Singer, fashion ‘it’ girl, and new VW Tiguan ambassador for ATL Automotive Denyque Dontré has that certain appeal. Strutting into Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel’s Regency Bar & Lounge on a Wednesday afternoon, there’s a breezy sexiness to her wardrobe — a mustard Forever 21 spaghetti-strap top and fitted olive A’gaci pants — but her impeccable manners and confident disposition reinforce she’s no run-of-the-mill dancehall sexpot.
As she settles in for cocktails, an articulate Dontré talks touring plans to Africa and the United Kingdom beginning in November, to support her recently released EP Her Name Is Denyque, and fills us in on her current state of affairs.
PHOTOS: JOSEPH WELLINGTON
What are you sipping?
Moscato.
If you could cherry-pick any professional hat, besides that of recording artiste, what would you be doing this very minute?
Definitely something in the field of psychology. A S H I E LD agent, perhaps? I have a knack for correctly analysing people and situations. I also have a passion for helping others. It’s definitely the Pisces in me!
What is the most surprising thing someone would discover about you?
The most surprising thing? Hmm… that would have to be that I prefer a pool or river to the beach. I really don’t like the feel of sand on my skin.
You are a new ambassador for ATL Automotive and its VW Tiguan auto. What do you love most about the ride?
The question should really be what don’t I love?! I named my Tiguan Tigger. He is a dream. From his panoramic sunroof, to those LED lights that greet me every single time I unlock him, it’s like he’s my person! I get to use Bluetooth connectivity whenever I have to use my phone so I don’t get distracted and, of course, have you seen the guy, himself? He is classic, sleek, sexy and sporty all at the same time, so we make the perfect pair.
The way to a woman’s heart is…
… through time, consistency, loyalty, and diamonds.
If you were to make an album of duets, who would be your top-five dream collaborations?
Wow! Let a girl just have a moment to dream, for sure! It would be Drake, Michael Jackson, Kanye West, Toni Braxton, and Wiz Khalifa.
Who does your hair?
I’m pretty OCD about people touching my hair so, if I don’t do it myself, my for sure go-tos are: OXX Systems, Delsha’s Hair, and Marsha Robinson’s Beauty.
Who does your nails?
Bella’s Beautique, of course, for when I want the most epic nail art, which is almost always, and Martina’s Nails Place, for when I’m feeling simple and classic.
What perfumes are you spraying?
Jimmy Choo Exotic and Calvin Klein Euphoria.
What is your idea of the perfect man?
I don’t believe in perfection, so my idea of an amazing man is an honest and ambitious one who allows me the capacity to be myself whilst becoming his queen.
What is your idea of the perfect date?
Dinner and Moscato, or a good movie and some popcorn.
Taylor Swift recently restricted Apple Music from streaming her catalogue of music as she said artistes would not be compensated during the three-month trial listening period. How do you feel about independent versus corporate labels and the creative freedom the former engenders?
Independent is definitely a good way to go. However, corporate labels offer the capital and capacity to do more within a shorter time frame. It all depends on your goals, what you want and how you’ve laid-out or visualised your journey.
What inspires you?
Life and all its variables inspire me. I learn and grow with each new day. Just waking up means I’m given yet another chance at life, and that is inspiration enough.
The Jamaica Observer will celebrate its annual Take Style Out islandwide retail therapy event this Thursday, October 1. Where are your must-shop destinations?
Sabritru, for sure. They literally have everything, to suit any style. If not there, then it’s online for me.
You launched your WETswim swimwear line two years ago. What is its current status?
WET, exclusive and soaring to new heights. It’s doing pretty well; we still have a long way to go before I’ll be comfortable, but we’re on the way, and that makes me both proud and happy.
How would you describe your personal style?
Moody. One moment I’ll feel classic, and in another, sexy or edgy. One thing for sure, they almost always interwine.
Where and when last did you feel most fulfilled?
Wow, this was just yesterday, actually. I have moments where I sit by myself and reflect. Sometimes, I give myself little pep talks, and just look back at how far I’ve come, how far I have left to go, how much I’ve learned, matured, accomplished, and how many lives I may have affected.
Here’s a Catch-22: You’ve made the invitation list for the Grammy Awards but you must choose to be either a live stage performer for the night, or sit in the audience largely unnoticed as a nominee but win an award. Which of the two would you opt for and why?
Anything I do in life is never for validation or accolades. I already know who I am at this point and I’ve always known the type of woman I wanted to be. So I don’t need titles, attention or material things to validate me. The awards will come; that I am sure of. I love to sing, and performing at the Grammys would be such a huge achievement, just knowing that more people would get to see me do what I love doing.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In a mystical land, far, far away, from everything negative, cooking breakfast for my husband, singing to my baby, in our dream home, with trap music blasting in the background. Cue Fetty Wap — Come My Way.
HANDBAG ESSENTIALS
Miniature first-aid kit
Purell hand sanitiser
Samsung S6 smartphone
Earbuds
Purse
VW Tiguan car keys