Trump-Supporting Musician Talks Political Bias in Hollywood

You won’t find another person like this in Hollywood. Dencia has grabbed headlines through her unique appearances on the red carpets of the American Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards, among others.

The singer and fashion designer, who was born Reprudencia Sonkey in Cameroon, Africa, walks to the beat of her own drum when it comes to her art and her politics. The Trump-supporting artist, who got her start in music videos and is today based in Los Angeles, took time to talk to LifeZette about the struggle of creative conservatives — and her own distinguished and young career.

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Question: You make a lot of splashes through the styles and designs you present in your choice of clothing at award shows and events. Do you think the physical presentation of artists — their fashion sense — is important to their brand and their work?
Answer: H***, yeah. Even when I was growing up, my fashion sense was always outlandish and over-the-top. I attended my first student party at age 14; I wore an African garment called a kaaba, and the entire room was in shock because it wasn’t a fashion-forward choice for someone of my age. However, once all eyes were on me, I ripped off my kaaba to reveal a tiny skirt, boots, and a belly top. The crowd went wild. I’ve always believed in theatrics; I love to put on a show. Fashion is meant to be fun, and clothing is a vital accessory in the story you tell the world.

As an artist, it is essential to be creative and authentic in all areas of your life. The “I’m so perfect” beauty pageant image is contrived, boring and stagnant. Most people aspire to wear clothing from high-end commercialized designers. They’re more focused on the label than the garment. Don’t get me wrong: I love luxury fashion, but most red-carpet looks are a little basic and uniform. A little black dress may be classic, but it is also played out. At award shows I have fun with my outfits. I always aim to wear something original and captivating. Fashion should leave a lasting impression; it should turn heads.

“I did an interview with Elle magazine that went unpublished due to my political views.”

Q: You were born in Africa and are self-made. A lot of artists working today were born into the business or on the coasts of America. Does your background give you a unique perspective in your industry and on the U.S. in general?
A: I believe it does. As an immigrant, I’m automatically different. I have a fresh and unique perspective because of my culture and upbringing; I’ve always chosen to use that to my advantage. I’ve never concerned myself with fitting in because I want to stand out and be known as an originator. I can’t come here, be here and not kill it.

I come from a continent where people wish they had the luxuries that come with American citizenship. They don’t realize how hard I’ve worked and how hard I continue to work to live the American dream. What I’ve done is attainable and surpassable, and it doesn’t matter if you’re American-born or an immigrant — you can do it, too. I have multimillion-dollar businesses, plural. A multimillion-dollar lifestyle, and I’m always a topic of conversation because I’ve built all that from the ground up.

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Hard work, intelligence, and creativity will always win. You can’t ever get too comfortable and you must always place yourself in a position to grow, which is why I’m going to Harvard. I’m going from millions to billions. And yes, I’ve already received my Harvard acceptance letter. I’m not 30 yet, but I want to be able to look back and be proud of my 30 years on earth. I want to be a president when I’m 45.

“I come from a continent where people wish they had the luxuries that come with American citizenship.”

Q: You’re clearly bold and outspoken. Does this include politics? You’ve supported Trump in the past, but is this something you’ve had to keep quiet? Have you experienced or heard of bias in the industry against people who don’t think a certain way politically?
A: Absolutely! Propaganda is prevalent throughout the country. We live in a brainwashed society where the majority believe the story presented by the mass media. People are quick to follow the “popular” view rather than question it and form an independent opinion. They don’t realize the news is subjective and each news outlet has an agenda.

I did an interview with Elle magazine that went unpublished due to my political views. The appointed editor supported Hillary and chose to strip my interview because it didn’t push her political agenda. The interview was part of a segment on young African women who defied the odds and attained international success. Rather than acknowledge our differences, the segment made it look like you have to fit a particular image or have certain beliefs to achieve success. I thoroughly support women, and America deserves a female president, but Hillary doesn’t deserve to be that president.

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Q: What can people expect to see from you in the near future regarding music and your other ventures?
A: I am currently working on my debut album; it has a very international feel and will be released later this year. I’m tremendously eclectic; I grew up listening to multiple genres of music. I’ve also just released a single, “RollAm ShakeAm,” and its video, which was shot in Makepe [Douala, Cameroon] and will be released soon.

I’m expanding my empire by creating perfume lines for athletes, celebrities and influencers. Having built multiple million-dollar businesses from scratch, I have the expertise and experience to help others expand their brands and venture into new markets.

I’m heavily involved in philanthropy; my foundation has helped children and families throughout the globe. My humanitarian efforts will always be at the forefront of my itinerary. I love to travel, and I love to explore new places. Even when I travel for leisure, I always incorporate efforts to help the population of whichever country I’m visiting. Philanthropy never takes a day off.

I’m focused on growing as a person, as an artist and as a businesswoman. Oh, and did I say I’m about to go to Harvard?