Katanga Junior, the rising star hailing from Tanzania and now calling Central Australia home, released his highly anticipated album Pamoja on Friday, February 23. The seven-track masterpiece is a celebration of life in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, offering a poignant portrayal of the desert landscape and the diverse experiences of its inhabitants.
“Pamoja means together in my native tongue of Swahili,” Katanga Junior said, “this album is a collaboration between myself and local artists I really admire; we worked together to create music that would share stories of life and culture in both Alice Springs and Tanzania.”
Pamoja brings together a remarkable ensemble of established and emerging artists from Central Australia, each adding their unique flair to the narrative. With guest vocals from Kirra Voller, Stuart Joel Nuggett, Tristrum Watkins from Karnage N Darknis, Casii Williams, Myles Turner, and Shilo Monkland, the album seamlessly blends reggae and hip-hop elements to create a dynamic and authentic sound.
This album marks a significant milestone for Katanga Junior, being his first entirely live-recorded studio production. Collaborating with Jez Conlon from Left of Elephant Sound, and mastering by Kris Keogh from Nhulunbuy, the album promises a fresh sonic experience that captures the raw energy and spirit of its creators.
Katanga Junior’s journey from Tanzania to Australia infuses Pamoja with a unique perspective, blending cultural influences and personal experiences into a captivating musical journey. From the smooth rhythms of Mparntwe Queen featuring Kirra Voller, to the powerful, truth-sharing anthem My People featuring Myles Turner, each track offers a glimpse into harshness and beauty of life in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
Katanga Jr live in Tennant Creek at Desert Harmony Festival 2023. Photo: G. Barnes