Monjola: "Until you leave earth, you’re always going to be chasing something"

From ATLiens-era Outkast and ‘The Martian’ Lil Wayne, to the adventurous sci-fi and Afrofuturism of Janelle Monáe and Flying Lotus, extraterrestrial-fixated artists are a deep-rooted tradition in R&B and hip-hop. Here in Ireland, Monjola feels like a natural heir to that legacy – with outlandish UFO imagery surrounding his new project, and a defiant, outsider ethos continuing to guide his every move.

Of course, before we get too carried away, it’s worth remembering the title of the Dublin’s singer’s new EP: It’s Not That Deep.

“To be honest, we just came across this really cool Airbnb in Wales, which was like a spaceship,” Monjola laughs. “We were like, ‘Let’s go with that, and make the whole theme of the project a spaceship. Let’s make it happen!’”

An immediately authoritative force in Irish R&B since his debut single ‘Know You’ in 2020, the Irish-Nigerian artist has continued to build his following across a series of well-received singles and collaborations with the likes of TraviS x Elzzz, Tebi Rex and Aby Coulibaly. Along the way, he’s also clocked up millions of streams, and scored coveted support slots for the likes of Kid Cudi, Genesis Owusu and Kojaque – career milestones that are all the more impressive when you remember that It’s Not That Deep is Monjola’s debut project.

“I’ve been trying to put out a project for like three years,” he tells me. “I even made a project last year, and I was meant to start the roll-out – but I just wasn’t excited about it anymore. So, I went back, and worked on this.

“Honestly, there were so many points in working towards the project where I was like, ‘Am I actually meant to be doing music?’” he adds. “There were times when I had constant battles with myself.”

But as he says himself, “You’re not a real artist if you don’t feel like giving up everyday” – and, ultimately, It’s Not That Deep “just felt right.”

“I was ready to take the next step,” he nods. “And if I didn’t put out a project this year, I feel like I would’ve pissed off a lot of people, because I’ve been teasing it for so long...”

Credit: Shane Heneghan

Of course, there’s also significant pressure that comes with distilling your artistry into one extended project for the first time.

“The pressure came from not wanting to let myself or my team down,” Monjola explains. “The whole concept and title of the project came from me just overthinking so much, and being in my head.’”

But It’s Not That Deep isn’t just “music for overthinkers”, he says – it’s also for “guys who are afraid to be vulnerable.”

“It’s not something that’s expected from Black male artists, or even male artists in general – to be open,” he reflects. “I lost a friend this year to suicide. That was the first time I’ve ever lost someone through something like that. You never really know what other people are going through.

“Guys tend to hold back, and have this front,” he continues. “When you look at female friendships, they’re way more open and honest with each other. But guys could be going through a lot, and they don’t speak to their friends about it. That’s everywhere, not just in Ireland.”

For Monjola, however, being open about his anxieties and vulnerabilities in his work has, for the most part, come naturally – largely thanks to his special musical connection with his younger brother and producer, MOIO.

“I started making music with him, so I was always comfortable,” Monjola tells me. “That made it easier to speak about all the shit I was going through. Making music with your sibling is such a beautiful experience. I was in a safe space – and the more comfortable you are, the more honest you’ll be in your music.”

From an early age, music played a massive role in the siblings’ lives.

“We all played an instrument,” Monjola recalls. “My sister played violin, and MOIO played piano and drums. He got really obsessed with it and picked up a bunch of instruments. We liked similar music and we always played guitar together. And we went to a Nigerian church, which was really musical.

“I didn’t even know MOIO was producing,” he reveals. “I found out by accident. But once he’s started, during Covid, it just felt like, ‘Yeah – this is it.’”

Both Monjola and MOIO, together with Thomas Kettle and the aforementioned Aby Coulibaly (who’s set to support Coldplay during their four-night Croke Park run), are the creative minds behind the independent Irish label and collective Chamomile Club. As Monjola notes, the crew operate like “ a family”, and, through their immersive events and parties, have built up a reputation in Dublin for “doing things differently.” They’re currently gearing up for the second edition of their popular Chamomile Garden experience, taking place later this month.

 

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As artists, Chamomile Club have positioned themselves at the forefront of a bold, alternative wave in homegrown R&B and hip-hop, at a time when the Irish sound is continuing to expand and diversify dramatically – and, as a result, break off into different pockets and scenes. But the sense of community at the heart of it all remains strong, Monjola says.

“It’s like an extended family,” he remarks. “Even people doing drill, let’s say – so many of them are people I’ve known for years. Like TraviS x Elzzz. We’re all friends. Even though we’re doing our own stuff, there’s definitely an extended community of support. We all understand that everyone needs everyone to grow and build this.”

Still, comments about Black Irish artists – and the accents they sing or rap in – not being ‘Irish enough’ have yet to die out.

“There’s definitely still people saying stuff like, ‘You don’t have an Irish accent,’” Monjola reflects. “But fuck that. Black Irish identity is complex. It’s not as straightforward as people think it is. And you should be able to express yourself how you want. So evolve or get left behind – we’re going to do it regardless.”

Credit: Shane Heneghan

The Irish scene has also been transformed in recent years by a strong alternative spirit, which Monjola and Chamomile Club have carried on in the footsteps of other homegrown forces like Kojaque and Soft Boy Records.

“I was tapped into Kojaque ages ago – even before I made music, I was a fan of his stuff,” Monjola says of the Cabra-raised rapper, who he toured with around Ireland and the UK late last year. “He’s broken so many barriers. He’s a real trailblazer. Even being around him, and seeing his work ethic, you can see that guy is special.”

As for his own career, Monjola reveals that he’s working on his debut album “right now”. He’s also gearing up for plenty of collaboration and travel over the months ahead – while continuing to lean into the special community he’s built from the ground in Dublin.

“I have goals, and things I want to tick off my bucket list,” he tells me. “But I want it to be about more than just the music. I want to build something amazing, and bring people together. There’s a lot that I want to do. Until you leave earth, you’re always going to be chasing something!”

It’s Not That Deep is out now. Chamomile Garden comes to Orlagh Garden in Co. Dublin on July 27.