If you spent any time on TikTok in 2018, you likely heard a version of "Wannabe" that didn't sound like the bubblegum pop of the '90s. It was slower, moodier, and oddly hypnotic. That track was Why Mona's "Wannabe" , a cover that managed to achieve the rare feat of going viral alongside cultural juggernauts like "Old Town Road".
The collaboration —the "musical love child" of Joanna Jones and Unlike Pluto —took the world by storm with their viral cover of "Wannabe". Their version transforms the high-energy Spice Girls anthem into a "darkened flip" filled with poignant beats, obscure bass, and haunting vocal offerings. Why Mona Wannabe
A nightcore-adjacent take that has racked up nearly 40 million streams on Spotify . If you spent any time on TikTok in
Why Mona isn't just a random cover band; it’s a powerhouse duo. brought the theatrical precision of Broadway (performing in Hamilton eight times a week), while Unlike Pluto brought the prolific energy of an artist with over 200 solo releases. When they met by chance in a Hollywood studio in 2015, they blended old-soul influences like Lana Del Rey and Billie Holiday with modern, sleek production. 2. "Less Spice," More Soul The collaboration —the "musical love child" of Joanna
Creating an alluring, almost noir-like atmosphere.
Joanna Jones’ delivery injects a haunting feeling that makes the lyrics about friendship and desire feel more like a pact than a party. 3. The Viral Evolution