“Act 2: Trials” was released October 16 and is perfectly in line with Mon Rovîa’s recent work. Self-described as an Afro-Appalachian folk artist, Mon Rovîa hails from Tennessee but was born in Liberia, which inspired his stage name (Liberia’s capital city is Monrovia). His most recent work is all soft, sweet folk pop, with positive songs like “Outlaw For Your Love,” and “Big Love Ahead,” reinforcing his gentle persona. 

My sister initially recommended Mon Rovîa to me because lots of his music is positive and upbeat (I think she worries I listen to too much sad music). It is true that much of his music seems intended to inspire and encourage – even the songs with sad lyrics have lovely melodies.

“War is Coming,” one of the tracks on the new EP, is certainly a more solemn song, lyrically: 

I try to grow a flower in a world drowning but time and time again I feel my soul longing. And I felt it in the breeze, there’s a war coming. Grab my family, know there’s no running. And since I was a child, been in a burning ring. And I hope when it all ends, I get to die in peace. 

However, these fearful lines are paired with a sweet melody, played on ukulele, which lends a hopeful element to the song. Although heartbreaking, his desire to someday die in peace also gently stirs fraternity with all of us who share that dream, as it undoubtedly references the violence his country experienced during his youth.

“Trials,” the other brand new song, has a more encouraging message: 

So much to do, so little time. This world might take what’s yours and mine. So roll your stone, though it rolls back down. ‘Cause our hearts were made to cross the line. ‘Cause it might take your heart to stand up on your own feet. But it could take you far if only you believe. This world is yours. You have a choice. 

This song is again accompanied by ukulele, and was an instant favorite of mine. The stone in the song likely is an allusion to the Greek myth of Sisyphus. Acknowledging that effort is often futile, he still encourages: “It could take you far if only you believe. This world is yours.”

If soft folk pop is not your thing, some of his music (although none from the last year or so) has a more hip hop-pop sound, like “Falling,” “Minute Maid Lemonade,” and “Where the Rivers Run,” as well as his June 2020 single, “Remember This House,” which connects his youthful experiences with civil war in Liberia to the current systemic racism he sees firsthand as a Black man in the United States. 

Mon Rovîa is coming to DC for a concert at the 9:30 club in March. This fall he is in Europe, and early next year he will have appearances in the American south. 

If you like Folklore, Noah Kahan, or Harry Styles, you might like Mon Rovîa. In addition to the tracks mentioned in the column, I would recommend starting with “It All Ends When You Do,” “Borderline,” and “Apart From, a Part Of, You.”

The author of this column, Emily, has a weekly radio show on WVAU at 6am every Saturday morning. Tune in this weekend to Saturday Sunrises.