Moonga K

Early life

Moonga was born in Kitwe, Zambia, with a twin sister, to a reggae singing father and gospel singing mother. He and his family moved to Gaborone, Botswana in mid-2000. He grew up around music ranging from reggae, gospel, hip-hop, jazz, R&B and rock. He found an adoration for R&B/Soul music from artists such as Beyoncé, André 3000, Usher and Robin Thicke.

K. started singing at the age of six, singing with his dad and his band as they would rehearse in their garage. In 2006, at the age of 9, he entered his primary school's first talent show and made his debut performance singing Destiny's Child's "Stand Up For Love." Soon after, he began performing frequently at his school's events and learning more vocal techniques from his favorite artists.

2008: Drakensberg Boys' Choir School

In 2008, his music teacher got him to audition for the Drakensberg Boys' Choir School and at the event he met his biggest supporting person, Rosalyn Beukes. "We were at Bothlale Primary School's Annual Talent Show, when during the interval, the school choir sang for us", said Rusette Auton, one of the organizers of MAD (My African Dream). "Out of the Choir we could hear this amazing voice ... We called the voice out, and identified it as belonging to a young man aged 12 years old. We insisted he enter My African Dream".

2009: My African Dream: Talent Search

He made it through the Semi Finals and then proceeded to be selected as the Judges' Choice in the Grand Finale. As he stood on stage in the finals, conquering the stage fright that made him nauseous and shake in the wings, "I was so worried he was going to freeze on stage" Rusette said. "But he got half way through his song and every single one of the 650 people in the auditorium gave him a standing ovation. He sang with a passion that I had never seen .. It was quite phenomenal! Many of the audience (including myself) were moved to tears".↵He had competed with more than 3000 hopefuls from all over Botswana to become the My African Dream Judges Choice of 2009.... but he did not stop there! That night, in front of 650 people, BTV's camera crew, and thousands watching at home on their televisions, Moonga's dream of becoming a professional singer took a step closer to becoming a reality. Mara Louw, internationally acclaimed singer, and former South African Idols judge, performed with all the finalists that night. She singled Moonga out, brought him to the front of the stage and told everyone that to ensure this young talent not be allowed to fall through the cracks, he needed professional training.↵Since then he was offered a place at the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys' Choir School in South Africa, with a scholarship to help part-fund the tuition fees. Drakensberg has a fantastic reputation, giving excellent academic schooling as well as first rate musical training. They've toured the world wide, even singing behind the Iron Curtain and for the Pope. The school is multicultural and multilingual and has been since it started in 1967 (in the midst of apartheid). The boys learn classical, jazz, African and pop music, creating a diverse repertoire and breaking down cultural and musical barriers. He was invited to perform at the Barclay's Annual Fundraiser Show in November. He also performed for the President of Botswana, Ian Khama, for the first time singing his M.A.D. victory song, "Hallelujah" alongside Rose-Marie Hamoir and he performed in Stuart White's musical production, "Rags to Riches."

2010: "Keeping The Dream Alive"

In 2010, Rosalyn Beukes and Rusette Auton came up with the idea of Moonga hosting his own concerts to raise funds for Drakensberg. His first ever show, entitled "Keeping The Dream Alive" was a two-night show held during the Maitisong Festival on 27 and 28 April, and another in May, for the public and corporate. He and his friends arranged the show with multiple acts ranging from singing to dancing. Moonga, his family and friends tried to raise the rest of the money needed for his school fees, travel and other expenses so he could have started as soon as possible. Drakensberg Boys Choir had also recognised his incredible talent and were holding his space for him, but time ran out. He had another show held at Maitisong in September called "Moonga & Friends." The idea was not to continue raising funds for Drakensberg "because it seemed we were getting nowhere," said K. So they decided to use the funds for Moonga to get voice training locally and he learned Piano with David Slater Music.

"On a Saturday evening, he put on a show that lasted two and a half hours. Sure, he had support – he didn't sing every song, but he carried that show far more than certain stars I've been to see. Stars I've paid considerably more to see. He even moved me to tears at one point. He works hard and he's a nice kid, not a brat or a diva. He has a dream ... he's not looking for handouts ... he is asking the public to help him, help himself .. and he's working so hard to make that dream come true," said Auton. In February, he was invited to perform at the Tachila Charity Event at the Gaborone International Convention Center, singing for and meeting the President of Botswana for the second time. In November 2010, he sang for the President of Botswana for the third time, with his twin sister, as he visited Rainbow High School to open their hall. He also was the only artist invited to entertain at the Botswana Youth Sports Meeting held at the GICC in November. In the same month, he was invited for the second time to perform at the Barclay's Annual Fundraiser Show at Maitisong. In December, he was invited to speak to orphans and children about social problems at "Inspiring Youth" (held at Mokolodi Game Reserve).

2011–13

In February 2011, Moonga was the youngest cast member of Mandi Mash's "My Funny Valentine Part II" held at the Gaborone Sun Conference Center. In March, he went against past My African Dream alumni for the Battle of The Finalists competition. He performed various renditions of songs with guitarist, Cedric Ncube, one of the major renditions being Jessie J's "Price Tag" and Rihanna's "What's My Name." He made it up to the Top 3, being eliminated at the Grand Finale. On 27 April, held a two night show at the Moving Space entitled "Dream A Little Dream" with acoustic renditions of songs that he performed with his band. On 29 July, he performed at Heath Lambert's production, 'Starlight', alongside his band, Perfect Pitch. On 20 August, K. had another show with many of his friends at the Maitisong Theatre entitled, "Keeping OUR Dream Alive." On 17 September, BTV aired a special program about Moonga's start from My African Dream to his shows and his music. The program also featured commentary from Moonga himself, as well as family and friends. On 4 November, at the My African Dream Grande Finale, K. was asked personally by South African rapper, HHP, to perform his song "Music and Lights" with him. The event was held at the Gaborone International Convention Center and was aired live on BTV. On 13 November, K. released a studio recorded version online of his M.A.D victory song, Hallelujah over Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris' instrumental version.

In February 2012, Moonga and his twin sister performed a full set at the Maru-a-Pula School's 40th Anniversary Family Fun Day alongside Atomic Aura. On 11 May, a dance/club song entitled "One Love" was released. It was produced by The OmegA Man. On 23 June, K. and his full band, Perfect Pitch, performed for the first time at the 10th Annual Fête de la Musique held in Gaborone, Botswana. They performed a 15-minute set with cover songs and original songs featured. The performance was well received by audience members. On 29 November, K. announced on his Facebook page that his then anticipated song, "Wishes" featuring rapper, Miz-E (of SoniK BooM) would be released soon. On 30 November, K. performed for the President of Botswana, Ian Khama, for the seventh time at the President's Concert held at Maitisong Theatre with his band. He closed the show with Barrington Levy's "Vice Versa Love." On 2 December, he also announced on his Facebook page that a music video for the song was shot. That same day, the song was released. The song features production from Andrew Williams and producers from the recording label, Bang!Gae. "Wishes' premiered at Number one on the Gabz FM show, Today's Hits Top 5 at 5 on Tuesday December 4. On December 14, the official music video for "Wishes" was released onto YouTube to a well received response from the public.

2013 – present

In March 2013, a song recorded in 2012 called "Tonight", along with a music video shot, with rapper TGB L!nxstar was released and premiered on the BTV music program, Flava Dome. On 27 April, the two artists performed the song at the Summer Fiesta held at the Lion Park Resort. On 24 June, it was announced on his Facebook page that an original song entitled, "Oh, Nostalgia" would be released. It premiered at number 5 on the new song playlist show on Gabz FM on 25 June. The song is classified as Neo-Soul and features production from producers at Bang!Gae. On 29 June, K. performed at the 11th Annual Fête de la Musique with his band, Perfect Pitch.

On 21 November 2013, K. announced via his Facebook page that he is currently working on a yet-to-be named full length project due for a 2015 release.

Artistry

K.'s music is categorised as Indie R&B. His compositions are often midtempo and they occasionally have an experimental song structure. He cites artists such as John Lennon, Damien Rice, Janelle Monáe, Frank Ocean, Erykah Badu and André 3000, as musical inspirations. K's lyrics deal with themes of nostalgia, love, consciousness and society. K. is a baritone that is described to have "falsetto moments."