Alternative Irish artist Monjola returns with visualiser video for introspective new single “Weight On Me”
Monjola - Weight On Me (Visualiser)
Stream / Download "Weight on me” Here
Today, 11th June after 423 days away from the limelight, Irish alternative artist Monjola makes a striking return with new single 'Weight On Me', an emotionally charged release that finds the Dublin-raised creative at his most vulnerable yet. This song was birthed through collaboration with close friends Saint De Marcus and Dan Briskin, the track balances introspective songwriting with soulful melodies and understated production. Written during a period of emotional turbulence, 'Weight On Me' serves as a reflection on self-worth, resilience, overthinking, and the burden of carrying unresolved emotions. "Everything in my head felt loud and unresolved when I wrote this song," Monjola explains. "It came out almost like a diary entry or a voice note to someone I didn't fully trust yet. It sits somewhere between a confession and an internal argument with myself." Determined to push beyond the emotional boundaries of his previous work, he approached the track with a renewed sense of openness. "Usually I hide behind melodies or energy, but this time I wanted to be completely honest," he says. "Even though the lyrics come from a heavy place, the song still feels uplifting, like pushing through something instead of drowning in it." That sense of authenticity extends into the song's production. Rather than relying on traditional percussion, the track's rhythmic foundation began with Monjola striking a table in the studio, recorded on an iPhone before being manipulated and transformed by Dan in Ableton. The process mirrors the song itself, raw emotion reshaped into something dynamic, rhythmic, and ultimately hopeful.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Dublin, Monjola's musical journey has been shaped by a broad palette of influences, from church music and indie rock to alternative soul and hip-hop. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Maroon 5, Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, John Mayer, Pharrell, Kid Cudi, and Benjamin Francis Leftwich, he has developed a genre-fluid sound rooted in introspection and individuality. His work consistently explores themes of identity, belonging, heritage, and personal growth, combining rich melodies with personal storytelling. Early releases such as 'Smile' and 'Where U At?' alongside fellow Chamomile Club collaborators MOIO and Aby Coulibaly helped establish his growing profile, while a major breakthrough arrived in 2022 when he joined Kid Cudi across seven dates on the European leg of his tour, introducing his music to international audiences.
Away from the stage, Monjola has established himself as a driving force within Ireland’s creative landscape. As a co-founder of Chamomile Club, a community platform dedicated to fostering connection and creativity through culture-led events and projects, he has spent years championing emerging talent and creating meaningful opportunities for fellow artists. Through intimate listening sessions, independently curated events, and collaborations with globally recognised platforms such as Boiler Room and COLORS, he has helped cultivate a vibrant and supportive creative community. During the pandemic, Monjola and his brother, MOIO, transformed their living room into a makeshift recording studio, laying the foundation for much of the artistic vision and creative direction that continue to shape his work today. Now, with global ambitions, a growing community behind him, and a renewed sense of purpose, Monjola enters a new chapter in his career. ‘Weight On Me’ feels less like a comeback and more like a declaration, a powerful statement from an artist unafraid to confront discomfort, channel it into his craft, and invite listeners into the process. As Ireland’s alternative music scene continues to evolve, Monjola is emerging as one of its most distinctive and compelling voices.
