Territory: Europe
Moonga Kapambwe, popularly known as MOONGA K., is a Zambian-born and Botswana-raised singer, songwriter, producer, creative director and social activist. Now based in South Africa, his musical journey resembles that of his own self-discovery. “My music creates safe spaces for marginalised groups of people,” Moonga says. “I like to be a voice for people that are afraid to speak out, but also amplify their voices.”
From a firm musical background, Moonga started singing at 6, performing at 9 and was prompted to write after hearing Frank Ocean’s ‘American Wedding’ at age 14. "It all stems from my childhood," he says. "I'm obsessed with sci-fi so I had big experimental ideas". With further influences including Prince, Laura Mvula, D’Angelo, Ntozake Shange and Janelle Monáe, Moonga wraps his diverse palette into a sound that incorporates R&B, funk, soul, hip hop, rock and electronic styles.
With 2017’s Free, 2018‘s debut album Wild Solace and 2020's an ode to growth, pt. 1 under his belt, Moonga achieved recognition as Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight and OkayAfrica’s 2018 list of ‘15 Best South African Albums So Far’ and received high acclaim from publications such as The Fader, Red Bull Music, 10and5, Texx And The City and MusicInAfrica.
Having whittled out a path for himself in the alternative scene, the 25-year-old artist has graced the stages of Planet Afropunk, OppiKoppi, Fête De La Musique, Urban Sessions, Blooming Sounds from Joburg, Splashy Fen Festival, Afternoon Express, BalconyTV, Rocking The Daisies and Sofar Sounds. These performances offer a chance for the artist's creations to interact directly with fans. "As an artist who's put these sounds and words into the music, you always want to feel accepted by the people," he reveals.
What captures audiences' ears are Moonga's poignant lyricism, emotive melodies, textured interiority and authentic social activism. “I think I've always been a vocal person - a fighter and rebel," Moonga shares. "I definitely dive into socio-political issues”. These elements are all present on his brand new Greg Abrahams-helmed CANDID EP, where Moonga explores themes such as toxic masculinity, racial injustice, identity and mental well-being. “CANDID is an amalgamation of all the work I've put out and the artist I've become – detailing my experiences of being a young black person in this world.”
With a sound as fluid as his identity, Moonga aims to provide the soundtrack to our collective journeys of self acceptance - while tapping more into afrofuturist tones. “It's about being somewhat creatively in the future,” he says. “Not being held back by the idea of being the same, sharing identities and standing in your own light.”