Janelle Monae likes to host murder mystery parties. “You learn a lot about people through murder mysteries. You can see who’s a good liar, and the kind of body language people use when they’re telling the truth,” says the actor and Grammy-winning musician, raising an eyebrow meaningfully.

Monae, however, remains a true enigma. The 37-year-old started releasing gloriously extravagant, sci-fi-themed rock operas in 2007, earning her a cult fan base that included David Bowie and Prince (who went on to become her mentor). She has spent the past decade shapeshifting between different characters and alter egos, most notably Cindi Mayweather, a messianic, time-travelling “android” she introduced via her debut album, ArchAndroid, in 2010.

The Telegraph London