Tanzanian-born, Alice Springs-based artist Katanga Junior set to release latest single, Wambea

A Tanzanian-born, Alice Springs-based artist is set to release his latest single, with the singer-songwriter bringing shades of his culture to the Red Centre’s music scene.

Katanga Junior is set to release his upcoming single, Wambea, on Friday. Picture: Supplied

Katanga Junior did not always see himself as a lead singer.

In fact, he did not see himself as a singer at all.

“I had a fear of not being good enough,” he said.

“I never thought I could sing … even though my brothers and friends would push me and tell me I had a beautiful voice.”

Junior said he often doubted his own capability. Picture: Supplied

Reggae artist Junior got his start into music when he was about 17-years-old, joining his brothers’ band in Tanzania, his hometown, where he played drums and guitar for the group.

It wasn’t until he turned 28 that he tried his hand at writing songs, before later singing them when he moved to Australia two years later in 2019.

Now 36-years-old, the Alice Springs-based, reggae singer-songwriter is preparing to release his latest single, Wambea, on Friday.

Wambea dives into the high-energy world of Singeli — one of East Africa’s most electrifying musical movements.

All it took, Junior said, was an open mic event to gain confidence in himself. Picture: Supplied

“It’s fast-paced and it’s a style I’ve always wanted to try”, he said.

“I composed the guitar riff myself and collaborated with a producer who is skilled in that genre; I’m really excited about how it turned out.”

Junior’s release lands off the back of a huge 2024, which saw him tour interstate and play at the Nannup Music Festival in Western Australia, WOMADelaide in South Australia, and open for The Cat Empire at the closing of the Darwin Festival.

He also took home the Blues and Roots Song of the Year at last year’s NT Music Awards for his single, Move.

Junior hopes Territorians find enjoyment in his new single. Picture: Supplied

Junior said music was a healing medium for himself.

“I make music to heal myself, to improve my mood and connect with my emotions.”

“I don’t see it as a competition; it’s not about what others are doing.”

“Music helps me express myself, and I create it because it makes me feel better.”

The Alice Springs music community was very supportive, Junior said. Picture: Supplied

Junior said he encouraged everyone to check out his past albums on his social media and Spotify.

“My latest album, Pamoja, features collaborations with musicians from Alice Springs, including Indigenous artists.”

“It’s a blend of my story from Tanzania and stories from here.”

“My upcoming EP, Bongo, will be out soon, so you can check it out on my socials.”

Originally published as Tanzanian-born, Alice Springs-based artist Katanga Junior set to release latest single, Wambea