After 423 days away from the spotlight, Irish alternative artist Monjola makes a powerful and deeply personal return with his new single, Weight On Me, released today, June 11. Marking the beginning of a new creative chapter, the emotionally resonant track showcases the Dublin-raised artist at his most vulnerable, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into his inner world.
Created alongside longtime friends and collaborators Saint De Marcus and Dan Briskin, Weight On Me blends reflective songwriting, soulful melodies, and understated production into a compelling exploration of self-worth, resilience, overthinking, and emotional burden. The song emerged from a period of personal turbulence, transforming moments of uncertainty into a moving piece of musical storytelling.
“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 move beyond the emotional comfort zones of his previous work, the artist approached the track with an unprecedented level of honesty. “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 balance between vulnerability and hope is reflected throughout the song’s unique production. In a creative twist, the rhythmic foundation of Weight On Me began not with traditional drums, but with Monjola striking a table in the studio. Recorded on an iPhone and later manipulated by Dan Briskin in Ableton, the improvised sound became the heartbeat of the track. The process mirrors the song’s central theme—raw emotions transformed into something purposeful, dynamic, and ultimately uplifting.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in Dublin, Monjola’s artistry has been shaped by an eclectic blend of influences spanning church music, indie rock, 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 cultivated a genre-fluid sound defined by introspection, authenticity, and emotional depth.
His music frequently explores themes of identity, heritage, belonging, and personal growth. Early releases including Smile and Where U At?, alongside fellow Chamomile Club collaborators MOIO and Aby Coulibaly, helped establish his reputation as one of Ireland’s most promising emerging voices. His profile expanded significantly in 2022 when he joined Kid Cudi across seven dates on the European leg of the rapper’s tour, introducing his music to audiences across the continent.
Beyond his own musical pursuits, Monjola has become a key figure within Ireland’s creative community. As co-founder of Chamomile Club, a culture-led platform dedicated to fostering connection, creativity, and collaboration, he has played a pivotal role in creating opportunities for emerging artists. Through independently curated events, intimate listening sessions, and partnerships with globally recognised brands and platforms including Boiler Room and COLORS, he has helped nurture a thriving creative ecosystem.
During the pandemic, Monjola and his brother, MOIO, transformed their living room into a makeshift recording studio, a period that would become foundational to the artistic vision that continues to define his work today. That spirit of resourcefulness, community, and self-discovery remains central to his approach as he enters this new phase of his career.
With Weight On Me, Monjola delivers more than just a new single. The song feels like a declaration of intent from an artist embracing discomfort, confronting personal truths, and transforming them into art. Honest, soulful, and emotionally rich, the release signals the arrival of a renewed creative voice ready to make an even greater impact.
As Ireland’s alternative music scene continues to evolve, Monjola is emerging as one of its most distinctive and compelling storytellers, and Weight On Me is a powerful reminder of exactly why his return is worth the wait.
