Katongo Temba | Biography
Zambian born, British bred singer-songwriter, Katongo Temba aka Katongo or K.T, has been writing songs since the age of 11. Her musical style is best described as Afropop. This comes through in her debut EP entitled “My Way” which is packed with dance-influenced tracks laced with African drums and Caribbean rhythms that instantly grab your attention and showcase her ability to deliver meaningful lyrics with strong, yet soothing vocals.
Since K.T.’s debut on the music scene, her sound has become signature and has drawn support from tens of thousands of fans across the world. Between 2012 and 2013 K.T.’s songs ‘Tonight’ and ‘So good’ enjoyed a regular play on, Amazing Radio (UK), Nottingham 97.5 Kemet FM, and Shoreditch radio (England), Beat 99.9 FM (Nigeria) Flava Fm (Zambia) to name a few.
In 2014 her single, JOY, featuring J.K, saw her get regular airplay on Naija FM, Beat 99.9 FM Nigeria, BBC 1xtra UK, and Zambia’s Power FM, Hot 87 FM, Flava FM, and Q-FM. ‘Joy’ went on to peak at number 7, on the Beat 99 FM Radio Nigeria and Naija 102 FM Radio. K.T.’s debut music video ‘Tonight’ peaked at no 17 on a popular German Music Video Chart, ahead of famous artists like Calvin Harris, Ne-yo, and David Guetta.
With an ever-growing fanbase, K.T. has already been recognized as one of the 20 most successful Zambian women in the UK. K.T. is a signed songwriter having signed a deal with UK Publishing Company Speegra Music UK. K.T. has also garnered praise from the likes of Simon Cowell who featured and recognized her as a top talent in his ‘You Generation’ talent search. Over the last few months, the singer has enjoyed collaborating with Zambian music legend JK, Reggae artist Cactus Agony and she has also worked with artists such as J Martins from Nigeria and Sarkodie from Ghana.
Furthermore, K.T. was crowned a winner of the UK Songwriting Contest 2014. Expert judges praised K.T. for writing ‘Make A Change’, an inspiring reggae-style song about finding strength within ourselves to make a positive change to the world.
From January to March 2015 K.T. embarked on her first music tour ‘Back to my Roots’. During the tour she visited her birth country Zambia. Whilst in Zambia K.T. featured in Several National Newspapers; Daily Mail, The Post, Lusaka Times, and was on the Cover of, and featured in The Bulletin Magazine, amongst other magazines, aswell as several National Television; ZNBC, MUVI TV, and Radio Shows; Radio Phoenix, Power FM, Comet Radio, Rock Fm.
Now back in the UK, K.T. has featured in a new UK reality show, performed at Africa Fashion Week (London) and her new single Baba received airplay in Uganda, Ghana, England, and Nigeria and has peaked at number 3 on radio charts.
Recently, K.T. released her new single ‘All Over Me.’ This song enjoyed radio airplay in the UK (Kiss fm, Rinse Fm, Reprezent Radio), Australia, USA, and across over 140 radio stations worldwide. In addition to her solo project, K.T. collaborated with Reggae artist, Cactus Agony, on a song called ‘Kiss of Life.’ Kiss Of Life, peaked at Number 7 on the MTV Base.
Alongside her music, K.T. enjoys doing charity work and has been aligned with the charity ‘Africans United Against Child Abuse’ (AFRUCA). Recognized as a supporter of the charity, K.T., alongside other speakers, has spoken at the House of Commons on two occasions.
Furthermore, K.T. is also an international model and has appeared in International music videos and Adverts as well as beauty and entertainment magazines (Cocogal UK, Poize Magazine Nigeria, Promota Magazine, and EZM).
In 2018 K.T. is set to release her debut album and tour Africa. Her new single ‘Tinofara’, featuring Zambian Hip Hop Star, Slap Dee, is the first single from her upcoming album. Stay tuned for more from the rising Starlet.