Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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London Alexaundria is the contributing editor for xoNecole. She is an alum of Clark Atlanta University, where she majored in Mass Media Arts and has worked in journalism for over ten years. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @theselfcarewriter
The Final Mercury Retrograde Of 2024 Is Here—How This Bold Energy Will Shift Your Perspective
The final Mercury retrograde of the year arrives this month, and this is an opportunity to close one chapter and prepare for a new one. Mercury retrogrades are the time of the year when you take a step back, assess where your life currently is, and be a little more flexible with how things are playing out for you. When Mercury is in retrograde, miscommunications and misdirections are more likely; however, this isn’t the time to fear where you are headed; it’s more about looking at things from a different perspective right now.
Mercury enters Sagittarius on November 2, will be retrograde from Nov. 25 until Dec. 15, and will be in this sign until Jan. 8, 2025. Mercury in Sagittarius is bold and outspoken but, in retrograde, can come across as impulsive and brash. Thinking before speaking is important right now, and so is considering your values and interests before committing to something new. Since Sagittarius rules long-distance travel, this isn’t the best time to plan a new trip or to rush the ones already in place.
Consider where you want to be, and take your time getting there.
What to Expect from Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius
A little more than a week after Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, Mars goes retrograde in Leo. With these important transits happening in fire signs, energy can be misdirected right now. It’s about looking at the full picture and not overwhelming yourself with too many options or interests. Take your passions and align them with your heart and willpower, without confusing inspiration with ego. Emotions are running high, yet this activation is creating a breakthrough in personal development before the year ends.
Read below to see how this Mercury retrograde transit will be for you. Read for your sun sign and rising sign.
Your Sun Sign and Rising Sign Horoscopes for Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius
ARIES
Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, and you are focused on the bigger picture right now, Aries. With Mercury retrograde in your 9th house of adventure over the next few weeks, this is the time to expect the unexpected and to go at your own pace. Don’t rush the clarity that is meant to bloom for you right now, and take things one day at a time.
Even if you don’t have all the answers you need right now, there are still some important truths and insights to gain. You are in the process of reinventing yourself and your life, and the universe is helping you get the space in order to do so. If you are traveling over the next few weeks, remember to be flexible and to go over plans thoroughly.
TAURUS
Mercury goes retrograde, and you enter a time of change and rebirth, Taurus. This transit, for you, is an opportunity to gain balance, perspective, and empowerment. Your commitments and close partnerships are being addressed right now, and you are seeing where your needs are being met and where they aren’t. You are on a journey of letting go and allowing more, and this is the time to focus on being more flexible rather than controlling outcomes.
This retrograde could also be affecting your shared finances and earnings, and this is a good time to take another look at the money coming in and the money going out and make sure things are in order here. Trust your intuition right now, Taurus.
GEMINI
Mercury goes retrograde in your sister sign, Sagittarius, and you are ready for a fresh perspective in love. This retrograde will highlight your 7th house of partnership, connection, romance, and inner harmony, and your heart is figuring things out right now. Confusion or disagreements are more likely within your relationship dynamics, and this is the time to address what your partnerships need.
If you have been feeling out of balance when it comes to love, then this is the time to get things back on track.
This Mercury retrograde is helping you gain a new perspective and reminds you that you deserve the love you are looking for. Use this time to forgive, grow, and use better judgment regarding matters of the heart and the relationships you are building in your life right now.
Coveteur
CANCER
This Mercury retrograde transit for you is a chance to gain some renewed clarity regarding your health, well-being, and work life. You could be feeling more pressure to perform and have it all together on the job, and there is a need to delegate, let go, and take care of your health more right now, Cancer.
This transit will highlight where some cracks are seeping, where you may need to build stronger foundations and healthier daily routines, and also how you can manage a better work/life balance. Your daily lifestyle may feel a little more difficult to find consistency in right now, and this is because new avenues and perspectives are waiting for you to grab ahold of. Overall, use this time to listen to your inner voice and do more of what feels right for you and your body.
LEO
Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, and this transit highlights your 5th house of romance, creativity, passion, and happiness, Leo. This retrograde is an opportunity for you to address what and who makes you happy and how you can show up more for these fortunate experiences in your life. You are looking at if you’ve been making your happiness as much of a priority as it should be this year and also taking a look at what sources help you align with that energy altogether.
This time is about being a little bit more flexible, doing things differently, and being open to a new perspective. Relationship developments are also providing your heart more clarity right now, and you are balancing your needs with the needs of your partnerships and creative ventures.
VIRGO
Your ruling planet Mercury goes retrograde before the year ends, and this is helping you rebuild your foundations, Virgo. Mercury will be retrograde in an area of your life that has to do with your home, history, family, and emotional stability- and you are getting a new grasp on things here.
Where you have been planting your seeds and building for your future are coming up for review during this time, and you are gaining clarity on which of these foundations is stable enough to continue to build upon. You could be feeling less secure than you would like to right now, and this change of pace is helping you reassess your goals and figure out what is worth it for you and the legacy you want to live.
Coveteur
LIBRA
Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, and the focus turns towards your communication channels, Libra. Mercury retro is already a more chaotic time when it comes to communication, and with this retrograde also happening in your 3rd house of insight and communication, you may feel this heaviness a little more right now.
This transit, for you, is about taking your time getting your message across, being patient while traveling and running errands, and giving yourself space to gain some new clarity.
Meditation, journaling, and talking to someone who can support you are therapeutic, and know that your voice deserves to be heard. You are looking at ways you can take up more space and show up in the world without letting your insecurities keep you away from true connection, vulnerability, and understanding.
SCORPIO
This Mercury retrograde is happening in your 2nd house of income, values, assets, and self-confidence, and you are taking a step back to assess your current reality, especially financially, Scorpio. This is a good time to go over your spending habits and earnings, to find greater balance here, and to think about some of your financial goals moving forward.
Look at your resources, skills, and talents, and make sure what you are receiving is equal to or greater than what you have been giving. Less is more right now, and this isn’t the best time to overspend or overindulge, as you need more time to grasp your current stance on things, and how to increase your overall wealth and abundance.
SAGITTARIUS
With this Mercury retrograde happening in your sign, it’s hitting a little closer to home for you, Sagittarius. This is a good time to refine your goals and direction in life and how you want to show up right now. You deserve to be able to change your mind when you need to, and you are thinking about some of the things you have done and what you want to do moving forward.
Miscommunications are more likely while Mercury is in retrograde, but you can use this as a source of empowerment, knowing that you are living in your truth and allowing yourself room to grow in the process. Remember to be a little kinder to yourself during this transit and to give yourself the grace you need right now.
Coveteur
CAPRICORN
This Mercury retrograde for you, Capricorn, is about rest and taking care of your emotional world. You are being given the opportunity to spend more time alone, to gather your strength, and to heal before you enter the new year. A lot has happened, and there have been many changes in your world this year. This Mercury retrograde is here to help you find acceptance and closure.
You are in a preparation stage right now, and things can feel a little more lonesome in this energy, but with a different perspective, you can see just how much of this space your heart truly needs right now. The past is coming up for you to see things in a new light, and you are ready to gain some renewed insight, closure, and healing.
AQUARIUS
This Mercury retrograde highlights your friendships, community, and your hopes and dreams, Aquarius. You are being reminded of the importance of connection, but more significantly, of good connections. You are looking at who and what surrounds you right now and gaining clarity on whether this energy matches who you are and the things that you stand for.
Your social circle and the people around you are shifting as the power dynamics do, and you are finding your place and purpose amidst this change. It’s about identifying who and what makes you feel good and aligning things in your life to bring in more of that energy. Don’t be discouraged right now; find your people and ask for support.
PISCES
Your career and ambitions are the focus during this Mercury retrograde, Pisces. You have a lot to address here, and you are gathering your skills and talents and reminding yourself that you are worthy of your dreams. Miscommunications and setbacks are more likely within your professional world, but they are here to ask you if what you are striving for, is really what you need right now.
You are thinking a lot about how you show up in the world, what you want to be known for, and what successes you still want to obtain. This isn’t the time to let anyone’s idea or vision of you define who you are; rather, define that for yourself. Show up as you want to be seen, and don’t count yourself out right now, Pisces.
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Dating in America is abysmal, among many other reasons, and it makes leaving the country seem increasingly appealing.
According to data from InterNations, around 14% of women cite "love" as the primary reason for moving abroad, compared to only 11% of men, indicating that women are significantly more likely to relocate to another country for a romantic partner; furthermore, a large proportion of women move for their partner's job or education, with 14% stating this as their main reason compared to just 2% of men.
Black women leaving the United States for love is a complex phenomenon rooted in personal, cultural, and systemic factors. Many broaden their dating pool abroad to escape the stereotypes and limited perceptions they often encounter in the U.S., finding partners who approach relationships with fewer preconceived notions about race and gender. Some discover greater emotional and cultural validation in international relationships, where their beauty, culture, and identity are more appreciated and respected.
For others, the decision to leave is influenced by a desire to escape the systemic racism and societal pressures in the U.S., seeking healthier living environments with less racial tension.
This choice also reflects a redefinition of success in relationships, allowing Black women to prioritize their happiness and challenge traditional norms. Social media and supportive Black expat communities play a significant role in inspiring and facilitating this trend, showcasing stories of Black women thriving abroad. Additionally, relocating often brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, creating spaces to meet diverse partners who offer more balanced and supportive dynamics. For many, leaving the U.S. for love is about more than romance—it’s a declaration of agency, freedom, and self-worth.
We know of a few success stories, so keep reading to find the celebs who moved abroad for love.
1.Tina Turner
Moved to: Switzerland
Love Interest: Erwin Bach
The late legendary singer Tina Turner moved to Switzerland in the 1990s to be with German music executive Erwin Bach. The couple married in 2013 after decades together. Turner became a Swiss citizen and lived there until her passing in 2023, enjoying a peaceful life away from the public eye.
In a 1997 interview with Larry King, Turner discussed her decision to live abroad. "I have left America because my success was in another country and my boyfriend was in another country." Notably, Turner emphasized that Europe had provided more encouragement and support for her career compared to the United States.
2.Kelis
Moved to:Spain
Love Interest: Mike Mora
The R&B singer and chef Kelis relocated to a farm in Spain with her late husband, Mike Mora. The couple, who shared a passion for agriculture and sustainable living, chose to live a quieter life abroad, raising their children away from the hustle of Los Angeles.
The very private singer took to Instagram a year after her husband’s passing to share a heartfelt message. “It’s been exactly a year… that’s crazy to me. I’m a very private person generally, especially when there is family involved . But there is no denying the impact and evolution my husbands passing has had on my life . I get asked all the time how I started this journey . It’s a much longer conversation but in short what we were dealing with here pushed me so deep into understanding our bodies and how our minds and emotions are so interlocked you can not treat one with out the other .”
She closed, “Our thoughts and intentions are as powerful and key as our skin health and fitness. I want to live well and this is me sharing what I know to be true.”
3.Diana Ross
Moved to: Switzerland
Love Interest: Arne Naess Jr.
In the 1980s, Diana Ross moved to Switzerland after marrying Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Naess Jr. The couple lived together in Europe, blending their families and enjoying an international lifestyle before their eventual separation.
4.Sade
Moved to: Spain and later to the Caribbean
Love Interests: Various, including former partners in the UK and Spain
Sade, the British-Nigerian singer, has lived abroad in various locations, including Spain and the Caribbean, following her relationships. Her international lifestyle and romantic ties often influenced where she settled, choosing serene locations to enjoy a private life away from the public eye.
More than anything, the Lovers Rock singer just wanted to be. She told Fader, "I just want to be who I am in the end, that's all you are anyway. It doesn't matter what anybody says about you, you are who you are in the end. Because in the end I breathe and sleep and laugh and cry, and all the things that everybody does. And that is me."
5.Serena Williams
Moved to: France (part-time)
Love Interest: Alexis Ohanian
While Serena Williams is primarily based in the U.S., she spent significant time in France during her courtship and early marriage to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Ohanian lived in Europe for a period, and the couple enjoyed time abroad, particularly in Paris, where they got engaged. Recently, they celebrated their seven-year anniversary.
6.Naomi Campbell
Moved to: Various locations, including France and Russia
Love Interests: Various international partners
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has had several relationships with high-profile international figures, including Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin. Her romantic ties have seen her spending time in countries like France, Italy, and Russia, where she immersed herself in the local cultures.
7.Meghan Markle
Moved to: The United Kingdom
Love interest: Prince Harry
Meghan Markle, an American actress, relocated to the UK after her relationship with Prince Harry became serious. The two got married in 2018, making her a member of the British royal family. In a twist, they later moved to the U.S. for a fresh start away from royal duties. Meghan is probably one of the greatest examples of following your heart.
In a 2017 interview with Vanity Fair, she said, “I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it’s really simple. We’re two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people’s perception. Nothing about me changed. I’m still the same person that I am, and I’ve never defined myself by my relationship.”
8.Christina Milian
Moved to: France
Love Interest: Matt Pokora
Christina Milian relocated to France after meeting and falling in love with French singer Matt Pokora. The couple, who started dating in 2017, decided to make France their home base. They now have two children together and have embraced life in Europe, with Milian frequently sharing her experiences and love for French culture on social media.
In 2020, she told Page Six, “It’s a completely different relationship. It’s built on a respect for our families, for each other, and on mutual support. Nothing between us is uneasy, and that’s what I think is so special. He can truly be himself and so can I.”
9.Sabrina Elba
Moved to: The United Kingdom
Love Interest:Idris Elba
Canadian model and activist Sabrina Elba moved to the UK after marrying British actor Idris Elba. The two met in 2017 and were married in Morocco in 2019. Sabrina has since settled in London with Idris, and the couple frequently collaborates on philanthropic and business ventures, including projects aimed at supporting African communities.
According to Tatler, Sabrina shared, “I found myself an opportunity to move across the world and I thought, let me just explore more of myself before I set off on this path that I decided when I was like, six years old, you know?” During the time when Sabrina met her future husband, she made a significant life decision: she put her aspirations of pursuing a legal career on hold and relocated to London. “My life changed quite a bit!” She continued, “It’s a great example of how you can kind of set out to do something, and then, well… I got derailed by a tall, dark, and handsome actor.”
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