Jonah sings about self discovery
New debut album GERG is streaming out
JONAH Mutono’s debut album of self discovery, GERG is out.
This project, which took years to finally put together, is one he wanted to tell as authentically as possible.
“The first song I wrote for it was in 2014. That being said, I didn’t know what I was making until much later, and then that process lasted about two years,” the 25-year-old singer said.
The journey to the album has been filled with moments that have defined Mutono – from growing up in different parts of the world to living a deep faith Christian life and understanding his sexuality.
“In a way, this music saved me. I’ve been shunted from place to place for years and allowed myself to be compacted into the international Christian gay victim. My world has become a more full and honest place, but the real world isn’t that accommodating yet. I do think though, that truly existing is not only brave, but necessary.”
Mutono, who is based in the US, started playing piano from before he can remember.
“I feel like it’s a family member that I have to coax and convince to see things my way. If I’ve got a song to write, it won’t leave me alone until it’s finished, and then maybe it’s never really finished, and maybe this process takes years. Maybe we’ll be friends in the future.”
From his music, he hopes people are reminded of their own defining moments.
“I hope there is a different experience for everyone. I don’t expect everyone to relate to exactly what I’ve been through, but we’ve all loved and lost, and pondered our place in the world. I want there to be a little catharsis in that shared experience.”
GERG blends R&B, Pop, avantgarde and the singer-songwriter’s style.
Mutono used to go by the pseudonym Kidepo – after a region of Uganda, the country of his ancestry, and his recent on-and-off home before deciding on using his real name.
His relationship with the church, a place he grew up in and one that pushed him to deal with his own inner truth, is non judgmental.
Mutono describes his experience of the world now as a man who is owning his sexuality as liberating.
“There are a lot of things to figure out on the other side. It’s an entirely different way to exist, but at least it’s not fake, and the people in my life actually know me (which is a huge burden off of my chest).
“The world is getting better, and a little lighter with time. I just have to stand my ground and trust in the process.”
GERG is a story he wants to tell, an emotionally packed story in one punch.
The songs in the album go into his reality detailing the beginning, middle, and end of an intense relationship.
GERG is available on streaming platforms.