One of
Chicago’s most innovative and diverse talents best describes Monna.
As a DJ, Producer, 3° global co-founder and EsNtion Records Dance
division manager, Monna is working towards his next career move,
Globalization.
In his words, "I want the world to listen!"
Who is Monna? Monna is a Dj/Producer and co-founder of 3 Global which is
known for its “Some Call It House”, We Call It Home” North American Tour
and its weekly members-only gatherings. Monna is also the
Sales/Promotion Manager for EsNtion Records (Chicago’s “House of Music”
label which has proven to be a legitimate “star making” company by
launching chart-topping artist under its labels EsNtion Silver, EsNtion
Latino and Forever Soul).
A first generation Liberian, born and raised in Chicago, Monna grew up
with house music. He watched it evolve from the disco scene and soon
began adding his own creations and interpretations through his musical
talents. Monna began his career mentoring top DJ's such as Sneak,
Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Diz and Ron Trent.
Monna’s DJ sets and production work both reflect his progressive thought
and his intoxicating sound scapes grounded by rugged melodies that grab
your heart. He has worked with many acclaimed percussionists, musicians
and vocalists including: Leddie Garcia and Frank Orral of Poi Dog
Pondering and has a keen sense that lead to his discovery of rising
vocalist, Ava Fain.
An emerging production talent with an amazing ear for sound, Monna has
already hit the charts with his latest work “Forever” on Forever Soul,
part of the Lake Street Project. Already a Hot Pick on the DDK Dance
charts alongside Faith Evans
and Gwen Stefani, it was also picked up by I tunes. Debuted in ’05 on
WKTU in New York and distributed by Ryko, the record pre-sold over 1000
copies and is now available in every major record store worldwide. The
Lake Street Project's debut single, FOREVER, from the 'Andrew Emil
Presents Four Play Music' CD, has now spent an astonishing 62 weeks on
club charts throughout the country and is still climbing on several East
Coast and Hawaiian charts. That is above and beyond the 8 weeks it spent
on the Billboard Club Play charts. Even more astonishing is the fact
that it is almost always in the Top 20 of those charts.
As a 3° Global co-founder, Monna’s steady strength and passion for life
and music has helped create a grass roots industry alliance based on the
six degrees of separation. With a membership of 5000+ music connoisseurs
a large part of 3° Global’s success is the ability to bridge many
communities through the common love of music. Striving to showcase the
industries established and up and coming talent the company launched a
North American Tour in 2002. The tour kicks off at WMC in Miami,
continues to ‘DEMF’ in Detroit and ventures onto Chicago, San Francisco,
Tampa, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. Guest artists and famous, Music
Legends have included Louie Vega, Frankie Knuckles, New York’s E-Man and
Tortured Soul. High profile attendees have included: Frankie Knuckles,
Carl Cox and P. Diddy. In 2004, 3° Global opened up for Lil Louis at
Crobar’s New Year’s Eve party in Chicago. In 2005, Monna, along with 3°
Global partners “FLX” and “the Mad Thinker” put out their latest “Some
Call it House, We Call It Home” CD. The CD has been viewed as an
‘Essential Album’ on London’s faizemusic.com and rated 3 stars by URB
Magazine, look out! Available at: www.3degreesglobal.com.
As the Sales and Promotions Manager for EsNtion Records Dance music
division, Monna is able to use his A&R talent and business savvy to help
propel the success of the prestigious Chicago label. Soon to Come:
DJmonna.com
Production credits include:
Lake Street Project “Forever” on Forever Soul
“Speechless” on Big Popsical records
“bette on love” Waacko and Abicha ;
Latest Mix CD’s include:
Soul Revival
Crystal Dreams
Midnight Sun
Internal Thoughts
Down tempo CD ‘Paradise on Water.’ Monna continues to work on production
for various labels.