Rising alt-R&B talent Monjola is one of the most exciting artists to be emerging from the burgeoning Dublin scene. Tracks such as ‘Smile’, ‘Where u at’ (with fellow rising star Aby Coulibaly) and ‘Know You’ have highlighted him as one to watch, his blend of stylish R&B innovation and his multifaceted vocal winning key admirers. Highlights of his support to date have included Radio 1Xtra, COLORS and Spotify’s New Music Friday. His reach is going global too, with airplay from KCRW in the States and triple j in Australia.
Monjola now makes a fresh statement of his huge potential as he shares his new single ‘Extrovert’, his first release of 2022.’Extrovert’ is a song that shows Monjola’s diverse talents, as he switches his voice seemingly effortlessly from sweet, serene soul to rhymes that are as laidback as the song’s chilled-out summer heat. Written by Monjola with the help of his younger sister, Mope and produced by his brother Moyo, the song’s instrumentation also unites two contrasting worlds as sprinkles of soothing, jazzy guitar are underpinned by punchy R&B beats.
As ever, ‘Extrovert’ is released via the Dublin music scene’s best kept secret, Chamomile Records. The label is a triple-venture that was co-founded by Monjola, Moyo and Abi Coulibaly. The trio often collaborate together, with Moyo producing the two artists and Monjola writing lyrics and directing video content for Abi.
Hailing from Lucan on the outskirts of Dublin, Monjola was always enamoured with music and played drums and guitar growing up. Music triumphed over his other early passion (he played rugby for several years) as he gradually upscaled from running local club nights to releasing tracks on SoundCloud to now taking his music to the world at large. His key influences have included Pharrell Williams and The Neptunes, OutKast and J Dilla as well as artists you perhaps wouldn’t have guessed, like Two Door Cinema Club.
Monjola is proud of his roots in Dublin, and not just because it’s where he grew up. As well as his Chamomile colleagues, the local scene is blossoming with young talents, most of whom he has known for years – Bricknasty, Elzzz, Gaff and Zack Oke, to name but a few.
Having recently hosted a St.Patrick’s Day show that featured Fontaines D.C., Biig Piig and Kean Kavanagh, Monjola will make a big return to Ireland’s festival circuit this summer. He’s already confirmed for Forbidden Fruit Festival (June 5th / 6th), Body & Soul Festival (June 17th-19th), Sea Sessions (June 18th) and Longitude Festival (July 2nd). Expect more shows to be confirmed soon.
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