Beata MonaLisa, the younger sister of prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg, is forging her own path in the music industry. Known professionally as Bea, the 20-year-old singer and dancer is nearing the completion of her debut album, which she describes as "Pro-queer, anti-macho." The album, a project she has been developing since she was 13, features nine songs, with seven currently finished.
In a recent interview with Interview Magazine, MonaLisa shared that her music centers on themes of "the freedom of identity and empowering women." She has been dancing since she was a toddler and singing since the age of seven, experiences that she noted led to her being "bullied by everyone" in school. Despite the early challenges, she has honed her vocal talents, which have been described as reminiscent of a seasoned jazz singer.
MonaLisa is characterized as a "gay icon" and has a dedicated fan base that she feels understands her deeply. She describes her fans as having "the same interests, the same way of dressing, the same humor," and she identifies herself as "very sarcastic."
When asked about her famous older sister, MonaLisa stated, "I’m not responsible for other people’s lives," indicating a desire to define her own public identity separate from Greta's activism. While she acknowledges aspiring to worldwide fame, she prioritizes having fans who connect with her on a meaningful level, defining success as "Maybe it’s a feeling. You can be worldwide famous and not feel accepted, or you can have a small fan base and feel very successful."
MonaLisa also spoke about her experiences with producers in the music industry, noting that "loud, young female[s] are very provocative, especially to them, because they want to have control." She has producers who she feels try to dictate her singing style, wanting to impart a sense of mentorship.
Her recent rendition of Édith Piaf's 1949 French song "Hymne à l’amour" has garnered attention as audiences await her album's release. The sisters, though related, appear to be pursuing distinct life goals and public personas.