Liberia-born, Tennessee-based Afro-Appalachian folk artist Mon Rovîa returns with his latest single, “crooked the road.,” a minimalist yet profoundly moving exploration of the intricate relationship between pain and identity. The track is carried by the gentle ukelele strums, with a stripped production serving as a vessel for the deep emotional resonance Mon Rovîa masterfully delivers.

“crooked the road.” is a song that speaks to those who find themselves entangled in their suffering, so much so that it becomes a defining part of their existence. Mon Rovîa captures this sentiment with poignant clarity, explaining, “This is a song for those who have fallen too in love with their pain. I was there a couple of years back before I became Mon Rovîa. I was in love with my suffering; it became who I knew myself as. Because of this, I couldn’t see the hands that had been extended to lift me out. Ones that were longing to see me become who I was meant to be. For the listener, I hope they find freedom; I hope they find strength to pull away from what brings them down. The song is for all of us who thought in our darkest moments, ‘This is who I am.’”

The smooth instrumentation and Mon Rovîa’s heartfelt vocals combine to create a soothing and introspective release, a testament to his ability to contrive deep, universal messages through minimalist arrangements, making “crooked the road.” a compelling listen and an immediate playlist addition.

It’s clear Mon Rovîa’s journey is just beginning. Recently signed to Nettwerk Music Group and fresh off a debut performance at Bonnaroo, the rising artist has announced an ambitious North American headline tour that kicks off with a sold-out show at Union Stage in Washington, D.C., promising to be an experience as intimate and evocative as his music. Listen to “crooked the road.” below and see future tour dates here.