Today sees the arrival of What About Love, MONKyMAN‘s debut full-length album dropping via Laut & Luise on October 10, 2025. Originally from Stuttgart and shaped by his formative years in Namibia, the producer began his production journey at 14, experimenting with Fruity Loops. This habit has evolved into a sound laced with self-reflection and self-determination. Over the last couple of years, his cuts have racked up over 3.2 million Spotify streams, while his sets have bounced from South African clubs to spots in New York, Thailand, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Norway, Denmark, and Paris. He’s held his own at Apple Tree Garden Festival, rubbing shoulders with Biig Piig and Bombay Bicycle Club, and lit up Fusion Festival alongside ARTBAT, Monolink, and K.I.Z.—proof he’s not just studio-bound but a live-wire act pulling crowds with that mix of urgency and introspection. Pulling from outliers like André 3000, Frank Ocean, Sun Ra, Felix Laband, Quincy Jones, Bob Marley, Devendra Banhart, SAULT, and Nina Simone, MONKyMAN crafts tracks that nod to electronic pop’s edges, echoing the deep grooves of Black Coffee, the hazy builds of Nicolas Jaar, and the collective vibe of Keinemusik.
The record unfolds across 11 cuts as a steady build of hazy layers and grounded beats, blending airy singing lines with thick atmospheric pads, loose jazz keys, and rhythms that carry an African swing without overplaying it. Standout opener ‘Hambelela‘ teams with Vaudeni for a stripped-back groove where hand-played percussion lets her Oshiwambo hook cut through clean and direct—a nod back to those Namibian roots that ground the whole project in something lived-in and authentic. It’s the kind of track that hooks you early, setting up the album’s arc from quiet confession to fuller release, all without leaning too hard on effects or drops.
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, 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 to make my music. My music has been created by all of us and will forever be there for all of us.“
What About Love Tracklist:
1. What About Love feat. Ibon Goitia
2. Hambelela feat. Vaudeni
3. Paint a Picture
4. Didn’t See It Coming
5. Celebration
6. Interest
7. Hold Me Baby
8. Lil Misery / Lil Mystery
9. Shivers feat. Coco Elane
10. Fucking With Jesus feat. Ibon Goitia
11. Better in Love
Stream What About Love LP:
Follow MONKyMAN:
Instagram – Facebook – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify
