Photo credit: Shane Heneghan @shane.archives
This Friday, Ireland’s RnB innovator Monjola shares his new single ‘Go Wrong’ via Chamomile Records.
An elastic summer anthem that marries singing and rapping, ‘Go Wrong’ sees Monjola questioning the missteps that led to the unraveling of a relationship before surrendering to life’s inevitable ups and downs. Opening with sun-kissed refrains and melodies, MJ soon changes gears over a beat switch highlighting he’s as comfortable in the booth as he is soundtracking the brighter evenings. It’s yet another example of the Dublin multi-hyphenate’s signature approach that blends catchy melodies, immersive songwriting and features soulful production from his brother and label mate Moio.
Speaking on the single Monjola says, “It’s a journey through the labyrinth of past relationships, where the corridors echo with the haunting whispers of regret. The song is about reflecting on past relationships. Thinking about things that you might have done wrong and situations you wish you could revisit. Whilst revisiting this feeling it’s also about feeling a sense of peace, knowing you can’t change the past and you need to focus on you. It’s not that deep”.
The Irish-Nigerian singer’s sound has already earned praise from Notion, Wonderland, The Line of Best Fit, District Magazine, Nialler9 and enjoyed airplay from BBC 1xtra. While he was also named as part of RTÉ 2FM Rising’s 2021 edition.
Sonically sitting somewhere in the sweet spot of a venn diagram between Tom Misch, Kojey Radical and Saba, ‘Go Wrong’ is the next in a long line of upbeat cuts. It comes after the release of ‘ON MY MIND’ featuring Moio and ‘OFTEN’.
Having toyed with releases on soundcloud during school, MJ’s artistic vision began to crystallize during lockdown when he, his younger brother Moio and Aby Coulibaly spent their time making music before starting their own label Chamomile Records. It’s quickly become one of Ireland’s most exciting DIY outfits and a home for the inseparable soup of soul, hip hop, RNB, pop and jazz that make up their releases.
This sound has propelled Monjola to tours with Kid Cudi and Genesis Owusu. However, the label co-founder has kept his feet firmly on the ground with his jam sessions in his DIY studio that bring Dublin’s Rnb, soul and pop scene together while his Chamomile Club nights are some of the most exciting in the city and often sell out within a day of release. It’s part of his bigger mission to inspire the next generation of black and Irish artists and foster a community where diversity thrives and emerging talents are celebrated.
Last year, Chamomile Club held The Chamomile Garden Party in The Complex and united the UK and Irish alternative scenes, inviting acts like Wicklow’s Cosha and London Rapper Sam Wise to Ireland’s capital. The second edition takes place on July 27th.
