Emerging electronic pop artist MONKyMAN has announced his forthcoming album What About Love, led by the stirring single “Hambelela”, released via Laut & Luise.
The track premiered on the esteemed Electronic Groove platform, marking another milestone for the Berlin-based artist whose sound continues to captivate global audiences.
Over the past two years, MONKyMAN’s music has surpassed 3.2 million streams on Spotify, while his electrifying live performances have taken him across South Africa, New York, Thailand, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Norway, Denmark, and Paris.
His festival appearances include Apple Tree Garden Festival – alongside acts such as Biig Piig and Bombay Bicycle Club — as well as Fusion Festival, where he shared stages with ARTBAT, Monolink, and K.I.Z.
A Journey of Self-Love and Awakening
Born in Stuttgart and now based in Berlin, MONKyMAN’s music reflects a deeply personal narrative of self-love, awakening, and truth-seeking. His sound balances vulnerability with optimism, exploring how to find light in times of uncertainty.
His introduction to beat-making began at age 14 in Namibia, where he discovered Fruity Loops – the spark that ignited his lifelong passion for music.
Drawing from an eclectic range of influences including André 3000, Frank Ocean, Sun Ra, Felix Laband, Quincy Jones, Bob Marley, Devendra Banhart, SAULT, and Nina Simone, MONKyMAN’s style blends soul, groove, and introspection in equal measure. His music will resonate with fans of Black Coffee, Nicolas Jaar, and Keinemusik.
More info about MONKyMAN’s What About Love
What About Love unfolds as an expansive sonic journey – weaving dreamy vocals, jazzy instrumentals, and afro-inflected rhythms into an atmospheric whole.
The album’s focus track, “Hambelela”, features the radiant vocals of Vaudeni and stands out as a heartfelt song of praise.
The track’s organic percussion and Oshiwambo-language refrain pay homage to MONKyMAN’s formative years in Namibia, grounding its emotional resonance in cultural authenticity.
Reflecting on the album, MONKyMAN shared: “When making this album I realized that I am just one link in a chain of creations that led to this record being birthed.
So many inventions, jobs, tools, and processes happen before I can even play a note on a synth. I am so grateful for all the inspiration and equipment available to me in order to make my music. My music has been created by all of us and will forever be there for all of us.”
With What About Love, MONKyMAN cements his place as one of the most compelling and introspective voices in the electronic pop space – an artist who merges soulful storytelling with a global soundscape that transcends borders.
You can stream the album on Spotify and all other streaming platforms.
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