MONAKY ANNOUNCES NEW EP ZAZA FEST, OUT NOW
Nigerian Afrobeats innovator Monaky returns with Zaza Fest— a groundbreaking 5-track concept EP arriving November 21st, 2025. The project marks the next chapter in his rapid ascent, following a breakout year defined by viral moments, chart success, and over 200 million global streams.
With over 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a rapidly growing audience across Nigeria, the UK, and the US, Monaky has cemented himself as one of Afrobeats’ most distinctive new voices. His viral hit “Chandelier” became a nationwide phenomenon in Nigeria, topping Spotify’s Viral Chart, while fan favourites like “The Suitor,” “Patient Zero,” and “The Goat” each amassed multi-million streams across platforms.
His debut album Patient Zero introduced Monaky as a singular storyteller with a rich baritone and a sound shaped by Edo State’s musical heritage—Reggae, Highlife, and the spirit of Fela Kuti. In 2024, his follow-up album Candor pushed him firmly into the mainstream, driven by the success of Chandelier and consistent traction on Apple Music, Audiomack, and Spotify.
Now, with Zaza Fest, Monaky embraces celebration, reflection, and evolution.
ABOUT ZAZA FEST
A concept-driven EP, Zaza Fest unfolds like a night out told in chronological order—a euphoric celebration of Monaky’s breakthrough and everything that came with it.
“This EP is a celebration of what’s to come. After having my breakout moment with Candor, I’m focused on all the beautiful things ahead. With Zaza Fest, we’re celebrating that.” — Monaky
“Before we Soar we Fest.”
Each track captures a specific moment from that night, moving from ignition to emotion to aftermath.
TRACK BY TRACK & STORY
1. Burning Bush (feat. Lil Kesh)
The party begins here. Monaky and Lil Kesh set the tone with raw energy and unfiltered honesty.
● Production: JazznotJuju (original), Dummex (additional).
● How it came together: Monaky met JazznotJuju during a music camp earlier this year. The beat resonated later, leading him to record on it. Lil Kesh—already a friend and collaborator—jumped on the track. Dummex, a trusted collaborator from Candor, added final touches.
Monaky: “This is where the party kicks off… definitely on a couple of things. We talk about the specifics.”
2. Weird
A shift in the night’s energy. Under the influence, emotions intensify.
● Production: Maazibeats (original), Dummex (additional).
● How it came together: Monaky met Maazibeats at a colleague’s camp, later inviting him to the studio. The track resonated instantly.
Monaky: “That strange emotional shift — when the vibe changes, but the night keeps going.”
3. Solo
The night’s high point. Confidence, reflection, and euphoria collide.
● Production: Spaz, Solid The Creator (Additional)
● How it came together: Spaz played multiple beats at Monaky’s camp earlier in the year. This one stuck long after the camp ended, and Monaky’s manager flagged it as the perfect fit.
Monaky: “I’m in my highest mood — reflecting on the journey so far, partying with the girls, having fun.”
4. 7 Grams (feat. Jeriq)
The energy dips, and the crew realises they need more.
● Production: Yo X.
● How it came together: Yo X and Monaky linked after months of conversation and made two bangers—this one made the EP. Jeriq joined after Monaky picked him as the ideal fit, linking in the studio to complete the track.
Monaky: “We realised what we had wasn’t enough — it wasn’t even complete. So we’re singing about that moment, wanting to keep the party going.”
5. Run
The high meets reality. After the party, a late-night drive turns tense when the crew spots police on their way home.
● Production: Badass (original), Ice Beats Slide (additional).
● How it came together: Recorded early in the year during a session for Divergent, Monaky’s collaborative EP with Pabrymo. Badass played him the beat, and Monaky cut the song on the spot. Ice Beats Slide, a prominent South African producer, added the final layers.
Monaky: “We’re high AF, heading home, and suddenly we see police. Now we’re trying to escape. It’s the aftermath of everything.”
ABOUT MONAKY
Harrison Ekunwe, known professionally as Monaky, is an Afrobeats artist originally from Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He is known for his baritone voice, distinct Edo accent, and unique fusion of genres.
Rooted in the sounds of Edo State—Reggae, Highlife, and the revolutionary pulse of Fela’s Afrobeat—Monaky has crafted a sound defined by baritone warmth, vivid storytelling, and emotional depth.
Since his first official single in 2021, The Goat, Monaky has accumulated over 200 million streams across streaming platforms. This breakout track was followed by his critically acclaimed debut album Patient Zero. In 2024, he reached a new milestone with Candor, with the viral smash Chandelier.
2025 sees Monaky in a new chapter, with the new concept EP ‘Zaza Fest’.
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