NME’s latest star of The Cover is Mon Rovîa, who has curated a playlist of ‘Music for the Pouring’ for the occasion – check out the story and playlist below.
The rising folk artist is on this week’s (January 5) edition of The Cover, a manifestation of NME’s commitment to supporting emerging talent across the globe. Every week, a rising artist will feature on The Cover – you can read Mon Rovîa’s profile here, written by Erica Campbell and featuring exclusive photography by Marisa Bazan.
Alongside his Cover story, Mon Rovîa has curated an exclusive playlist, titled ‘Music for the Pouring’, that features tracks from Big Thief, Bon Iver, Nick Drake, Bonny Light Horseman and more. Listen to the full playlist on Apple Music or on Spotify below.
Born in the West African country of Liberia – whose capital city inspired his stage name – Mon Rovîa was adopted by a pastor and grew up across the US but mostly in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His journey has led him to pursuing an indie folk sound he calls “Afro Appalachia”, which he has showcased at major festivals including Newport Folk Festival, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits.
In his Cover story, Mon Rovîa speaks to NME about reclaiming the under-documented history of African American folk music: “It was cool to learn about the instrument of the banjo coming from West Africa where I’m from, right there on that coast. It really fortified me.”
His identity and life story informs his debut album ‘Bloodline’, which is out this Friday via Nettwerk Music Group. “‘Bloodline’ is the journey through my own becoming, but my hope is that it can be a companion to [listeners] on their own journey of understanding who they are and what the world is,” he says.
Read Mon Rovîa’s full Cover story here and find out who else has been on The Cover here.
Every year, NME produces 50 Cover stories, showcasing the future of music via in-depth profiles and exclusive photoshoots. Check out our coffee table book NME The Cover 2024-2025, which features the likes of Kneecap, Lola Young, Amaarae, LE SSERAFIM, Oklou and many more.