janelle-arsenio

Hot on the heels of her “SNL” and “Black Girls Rock!” performances, Janelle Monáe brought her funky sound to “Arsenio” on Monday night. The singer, who is currently on a headlining tour, shut down the stage with an explosive performance of her ladies’ anthem “Electric Lady” off her album of the same name.

During the interview, she explained the lyrics behind her song “Dorothy Dandridge Eyes.”

“We just wanted to pay homage to Dorothy Dandridge,” said Janelle of her duet with Esperanza Spalding. “Not only was Dorothy beautiful, but she was an activist. She really did open up doors for women of color.”

She also spread her message of female unity and empowerment.

“I think it’s important that other females show appreciation for other females. We need each other.”

Watch the Electric Lady shake up late night with her style and stage presence.