MOONGA K. - 10 Questions + black, free & beautiful (Single)
Moonga Kapambwe, popularly known as MOONGA K., is a Zambian-born and Botswana-raised singer, songwriter, and activist. Now based in South Africa, his musical journey resembles that of his own self-discovery. “I’d like to think 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 more so amplifying their voices.”
Having whittled out a path for himself in the alternative scene, the 24-year-old artist has graced the stages of Planet AFROPUNK, OppiKoppi, Fête de la Musique, Rocking the Daisies, Urban Sessions, Blooming Sounds from Joburg, Splashy Fen Festival, Afternoon Express, BalconyTV, 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,"
In celebration of Nelson Mandela month, the Zambia-born, Botswana-raised and Johannesburg-based talent returns with new single ‘black, free & beautiful’ - an infectious track that incorporates a retro soul vibe with gospel and R&B with a powerful sociopolitical message at its heart.
Moonga sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I grew up in a house full of music with my dad being into reggae and my mom gospel, but they gave me the space to listen to whatever music I wanted on MTV and VH1, and I think it was just going from watching music videos to the live show DVD's we had at home of Janet Jackson, Usher, Destiny's Child etc. that had me so excited and I felt that I could do that, too.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Frank Ocean and Prince are my all-time favorites and the reasons why I write and sing. I would love to work with Moses Sumney, Janelle Monáe, Kelis, Brandy and Nai Palm from Hiatus Kaiyote, for sure.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
Not being able to go out and promote it at shows which was a huge plan pre-pandemic. I wanted to tour and get out into the world and share more of myself, but having to stay locked in definitely demotivated the promotional process but I was still able to make a lot of music.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I'd love to say genre-less because I like to live in different worlds of music but it mostly incorporates soul, funk, electronic, jazz and hip hop styles.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Just receiving messages from folks in different parts of the world that share how the songs resonate with them or how they find healing in them. That's so special and not something I thought I was able to do.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Believe in yourself. It's so cheesy but it's true, keep moving forward as your main cheerleader and those who are meant to help elevate you will gravitate towards you and do what needs to be done. I promise.
Keep going and don't lose yourself in the process.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
We Are KING, John Lundun, Phonikz, Titose and Joda Kgosi.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Laura Mvula - Pink Noise
Shungudzo - I'm not a mother, but I have children
Charlotte Day Wilson - ALPHA
Mereba - AZEB
Black Eyed Peas - The E..N.D.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I watch a lot of stand up comedy on YouTube. I love to laugh. I'm also really into baking now.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My notepad, my phone and water.