Janelle Monáe Reveals Her Otherworldly Encounter with David Bowie: A Time-Traveling Connection

In a revelation that blurs the lines between reality and the fantastical, musical chameleon Janelle Monáe has shared a truly unique account of how she "met" the legendary David Bowie. During a candid conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, the multifaceted artist playfully asserted that her connection to the Starman transcends the ordinary, describing their encounter as nothing short of time travel.

Monáe, known for her intricate storytelling and futuristic personas, was asked the poignant question of whether she had ever crossed paths with Bowie.

Her answer, delivered with a twinkle of both reverence and playful imagination, hinted at a bond far deeper than a mere physical meeting. "I feel like I met him through time travel," she explained, immediately captivating listeners with the poetic nature of her response. This wasn't a claim of physical presence, but rather an articulation of a profound spiritual and artistic alignment that she feels with the late icon.

The "Dirty Computer" artist elaborated on the intensity of her admiration, describing herself as a "love child" of Bowie's influence.

For Monáe, Bowie isn't merely a figure from the past; his spirit, she believes, is "still living and breathing through so many artists today," profoundly shaping contemporary creativity. This sentiment underscores her belief in the enduring legacy of artistic genius, a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate across generations.

Monáe highlighted the personal impact of Bowie's work, particularly his iconic song "Heroes." She shared how the track evokes a powerful, almost visceral reaction within her, making her "wanna cry but also wanna just take over the world at the same time." This dual sensation of vulnerability and empowerment speaks volumes about the emotional depth and universal appeal of Bowie's artistry, and how Monáe internalizes his message.

The connection runs even deeper when considering Monáe's own carefully crafted artistic identity.

Her android alter-ego, Cindi Mayweather, often presented as an outcast or rebel, mirrors Bowie's own penchant for theatricality, shapeshifting personas, and challenging societal norms. Both artists have masterfully used science fiction and otherworldly narratives to explore themes of identity, freedom, and acceptance, creating rich, immersive universes for their audiences.

As a testament to her profound fandom, Monáe recounted her experience attending Bowie's exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum.

This immersion into his creative world further solidified her feeling of kinship, allowing her to connect with his visionary mind on an even more intimate level. For Janelle Monáe, David Bowie is more than an idol; he is a foundational artistic ancestor, a guiding spirit whose influence is woven into the very fabric of her being and her creative output.

Her "time travel" encounter is a beautiful metaphor for the timeless, boundless nature of artistic inspiration.