Monaky, born Harrison Ekunwe, is a Nigerian Afrobeat singer and songwriter from Benin City, Edo State. He’s best known for his deep baritone voice, clear storytelling, and the unmistakable Edo flavor in his music.
Before Fame
He grew up in Edo State surrounded by Reggae, Highlife, and classic Afrobeat sounds, especially Fela. Those early influences shaped the way he writes and sings.
Before stepping into the spotlight, he spent years writing songs, supporting other artists, and quietly building his craft behind the scenes.
Career
Monaky broke through in 2021 with his debut single “The Goat,” which quickly caught attention for its unique Afrobeat storytelling and his rich voice. He followed up with tracks like “The Suitor,” “Clock In,” and “Green Speech,” steadily growing his fanbase.
In 2023, he released his debut album “Patient Zero,” featuring collaborations with PaBrymo and PsychoYP. His sophomore album “Candor” arrived in 2024, led by the hit “Chandelier,” which charted on the US Afrobeats chart and went viral across Nigeria.
By 2025, he had crossed 200 million global streams and hit over 1.2 million monthly Spotify listeners, with a new EP “Zaza Fest” announced for later that year.
Trivia
- Critics often describe his sound as a fresh take on Afrobeats, blending traditional rhythms with modern pop.
- He’s known for releasing music sparingly, focusing on quality over quantit
Family Life
Monaky keeps his personal life very private. He currently lives in Lagos, where he focuses on his music and career.
Net Worth
Monaky’s estimated net worth is around US$150,000, coming from streaming, live performances, and brand-related activities.