Monaky… Baritone, Benin City, and Candor

Nigerian pop singer Monaky, known for his distinctive baritone and Edo accent, continues to captivate audiences with his latest album Candor. Building on his success from Patient Zero, Monaky delves deeper into personal themes, blending Afrobeat, Dancehall, and Hip Hop influences to create an authentic and engaging musical experience.

Harry Ekunwe’s vocal signature, a bold blend of baritone, enriched with his Edo accent, sparked widespread interest in his artistry since his song debut, The Goat, in 2021. The pop singer, professionally known as Monaky, expanded his fanbase with his debut album Patient Zero, in 2023, which showcased his charismatic harmonies and witty lyricism.

With his recent sophomore album, Candor, the Nigerian singer reaches deeper with his messaging, transforming his music into a scrapbook of experiences and lessons as a young adult navigating love, hustling, and self-development. The 11-track record captures these themes with his mid-tempo pop tunes and optimistic lyricism. The album also features his signature use of proverbs tucked in pidgin English lyrics, appearing on almost every song. The project is largely percussive and chordophonic, and it features rising contemporaries Dessi Carter, Morello, and Llona.

Drawing on his earliest influences from his childhood, including Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Snoop Dogg, Monaky honed his sound to incorporate elements of Afrobeat, Dancehall/Reggae, and Hip Hop. His music, imbued with the candour of everyday experiences, is fast becoming a notable favourite among Afrobeats lovers, with his latest album already netting at least 10 million streams on Spotify alone.

The singer is more reclusive than one might assume. Yet, his unique sound and catalogue have kept him on the radar of Afrobeats newcomers seeking distinct and exciting artistry. In this Guardian Music edition, the young singer, fondly known as Rara Roro 1, shares insights into his new record, Candor, detailing his creative process, inspirations, and his mission to keep his music as barefaced and bubbly as possible.

How did you arrive at your signature sound?

The foundation of my sound is Afrobeat. However, due to the influence of music that was popular when I was growing up, I was more into Hip Hop like Snoop Dogg, Nelly, and so on. So it’s a blend of Afrobeat, Hip hop and Pop—an Afro-fusion. With a fusion of my local sound from Edo State, I am a mixture of everything.

Tell us about what inspired your last record, Candor.

I was just being authentic, just as the name implies. I try to maintain being sincere with my expressions, since my POV is my perspective. I was just talking about different issues of life.

How long did it take to make that record?

The thing is I don’t actually make music towards making a project. I don’t work that way; everything kind of comes together. So, I’ll just keep on creating songs and doing my stuff, until it all comes together.

What do you look out for when working with others?

I watch out for authenticity and sound. I love people who are authentic with their sounds. So that’s what actually works out for me. And I usually picture the person that fits into the kind of sound I’m crafting when I am making the song. That’s how I collaborate.

Any collaborations on your radar?

There are some guys in the industry I would like to collaborate with, like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and some others.

Tell us about your headspace making Patient Zero.

It represents the everyday lifestyle of the average Nigerian. So, I just put it in different phases. It reflected the headspace I was in with the whole situation of the country and all.

What are we to expect from you in 2025?

I have more coming, but just expect more stuff from me and quality as usual.

What would you say is a vision for your career as Monaky?

I am focused on building authenticity with my music, because these days people fall for trends and stuff, so music as an art should be about expressing yourself the way you see it, from your point of view. It could be the situation you are going through or what is happening around you. In all, just be authentic with the music. Express yourself how you see it. That’s what I’m trying to do with my music.

Tell us three fun facts about yourself.

I don’t know if there’s anything fun about me. I’m always in the studio working. I love music. I’m an introvert, and I love to be in my space. However, I am an interesting guy to be when I’m comfortable around you.