Liberian-American singer-songwriter Mon Rovîa blends Afro-Appalachian folk music

Born during Liberia's civil war, Mon Rovîa is using his ukulele and vulnerable lyrics to connect with fans around the world.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Singer-songwriter Mon Rovîa, real name Janjay Lowe, was born in war-torn Liberia but raised in the United States after being adopted by American missionaries. Now based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lowe is blending his Liberian heritage with the folk sounds of Appalachia to create a unique 'Afro-Appalachian' musical style. Despite a tumultuous upbringing, Lowe has built a devoted online following by using his platform to discuss global issues and share personal songs about identity, depression, and grief.

Why it matters

Mon Rovîa's music shines a light on the often overlooked contributions of African Americans to the Appalachian folk tradition. His story of finding belonging and reclaiming his Liberian heritage also resonates with many listeners, especially in his birth country where he has a growing fanbase.

The details

Lowe, who takes his stage name from the Liberian capital Monrovia, picked up the ukulele after settling in Chattanooga and being inspired by folk artists like Mumford and Sons and Bon Iver. His 'Afro-Appalachian' sound blends those folk influences with the spiritual and storytelling traditions of West African griots. Lowe has not shied away from addressing personal struggles in his music, with songs tackling topics like his near-death experience as a child in Liberia, depression, grief, and his search for identity after being adopted and raised away from his biological family.

  • Lowe was born during the first Liberian Civil War, which lasted from 1989 to 1996.
  • Lowe was adopted by American missionaries around the turn of the millennium, around age 7.
  • Lowe took a trip back to Liberia with his adoptive father around age 11, but has not returned since.
  • Lowe hopes to stage a 'reconciliation' concert in Liberia in 2027, free of charge.

The players

Mon Rovîa

A singer-songwriter, born Janjay Lowe, who blends his Liberian heritage with Appalachian folk music to create a unique 'Afro-Appalachian' sound.

Liberia

The West African country where Mon Rovîa was born during the first Liberian Civil War, which lasted from 1989 to 1996.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The mountain-cradled city in the United States where Mon Rovîa now resides and where he picked up the ukulele, an instrument that has become central to his musical style.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is why this movie was so powerful. You see the magic carried in the boy who sings with the voice of his ancestors. They give him this energy, this gift, to help his people along the way.”

— Mon Rovîa (CNN)

“Spirituality, I think, lends its hand to guide you along that path to finding where you belong and what your purpose is in life.”

— Mon Rovîa (CNN)

“It gives a place for people to not feel the loudness. A safe space, where all their emotions, even if it's with the times and things that are going on in the world, are not clouded by noise. It's them and their thoughts, and it's a safe space for them to feel those things and also be seen in those things. That's what I probably mean by a lullaby.”

— Mon Rovîa (CNN)

What’s next

Lowe hopes to return to Liberia in 2027 to stage a 'reconciliation' concert, free of charge, to reconnect with his roots and write a new chapter in his story.

The takeaway

Mon Rovîa's unique 'Afro-Appalachian' sound and vulnerable storytelling have resonated with a growing global audience, shining a light on the overlooked contributions of African Americans to the Appalachian folk tradition and the power of music to bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of belonging.