Maffei Hester

Monique Maffei Hester is a professional singer, songwriter, voice-over artist, and empowerment speaker. Her latest release, called “Victory” is the first of four songs Monique co-wrote with Producer Matthew “Moz” Jenkins. In their first session together, he asked Monique what at this point in her life and career did she have to say to people. The question was daunting. What did she have to say? What did she want to say? Monique thought about it, prayed about it. What came out was a song that acknowledges what she's been through (the disappointments and the triumphs) and what all she's learned from going through it. Her heartfelt lyrics depict how in spite of sometimes making bad choices, having negative thoughts or not knowing which way to turn, she found her way and an inner strength and drive to press on, to change, and to be better. She learned through scripture how God lovingly sees us, as daughters and sons. In receiving this perfect love, Monique discovered how to access the freedom that Christ spoke of in John 8:32 when He said that you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. This is the message of “Victory.”

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As Monique learned to walk in victory she ventured out of her comfort zone to create an original EP called “The Peace Project.” This totally acoustic album was intentionally sung in mostly hushed, soothing tones instead of the usual powerhouse vocals she typically sings in. The aim of the project is to change the inner narrative so that it more fully aligns with who God says we are. Monique has made it her mission to build people up and to help them to find their purpose and their personal strength. Her unique and charismatic presentations usually include both singing and speaking. She believes that the best way to teach is to lead by example and she often freely shares her own life experiences to make things more relatable. Monique's vocals often evoke tears and goosebumps, and her speaking style has been called "engaging, inspiring and easy to understand.

 

Monique's original songs have been featured in fitness videos, independent films, internet radio and Christian TV. Always willing to give of her time and talents, Monique has sung for numerous events and organizations such as the Orange County Sheriff's Fallen Officers' Memorial Services, for assisted living homes, for Children's Hospital in Orange County, for the Queen of Hearts Foundation, for the Los Angeles Mission, and for SMASH GLOBAL's affiliated charities, and others. She has also lead Worship for several churches in the Los Angeles and Orange County, California areas.

 

Shortly after her husband Danny became the first ever Classic Mr. Olympia, Monique began traveling with him to sing at fitness expos and bodybuilding shows as Danny, poetically posed on stage. While it's usual for an Olympia champion to be invited to "guest pose" at shows, this type of performance, where a competitor's wife actually sings on stage as her bodybuilder husband poses to her singing, had never been done in this industry. She and her husband performed together steadily for 3 years throughout the U.S. and internationally. This opened the door for them speak, as a couple, to the dynamics of a marriage where both people are leaders. It's also been a great way for them to combine their passions. Together, they have been called one of the industry's “power couples.”