Katumbella

Katumbella is a Singer/Songwriter/Performer from Angola, South-West of Africa. Growing up in Angola, she sang at the church choir where she inherited her African sounds and ability to sing naturally in different tones. Once in the United States of America she continued to enhance one of her most valuable instruments - her vocals.

Singing has always been in the veins of Katumbella. At the age of 8 years old Katumbella knew that music was her passion. She would practice at her parents’ bedroom and listen to a wide variety of artists such as: Angelique Kidjo, Miriam Makeba, Wess Madiko, Bonga, Sting, Patti Labelle and others.

As a natural born Soprano, her love for other genres of music makes her travel through Classical, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Afro and World Music influences. She is characterized as a mosaic of emotions taking her audience to the most soulful and electrifying places during her performances.

Early 2012, Katumbella released her single, “Don’t Hold Me” starting the beginning of her solo career. Still in 2012, Katumbella started composing music soundtracks for Award Winning Movies from biGObi Productions.

"Katumbella's smooth voice earned her the NAFCA award for the Best Original Music Score for the Nollywood movie Lost in Abroad." NAFCA-African Oscar Awards 2012.

That same year, Katumbella was nominated at the NAFCA African Oscars for “Best Female Voice Diaspora.” In 2013, at the invitation of a Corporation, Katumbella travelled to South Korea for a Show promoting her single, “Don’t Hold Me.” She earned a second Nomination at the African Oscars for “Best Female Artist Diaspora.” Collaborated on a music project, “The Bright Light Project” against Violence endorsed by the Mayor of Houston.

To date, Katumbella has performed at International Festivals, Universities, Birthday Celebrations, Corporate event & Others. She has opened the stage for well-known international artists such as: Justino Delgado and has performed with Yuri da Cunha among others.

In 2014, Katumbella collaborated with Danca Mami Kizomba and Danca Makezu on a Kizomba All Stars Show in San Francisco, California to help raise funds benefiting Breast Cancer Patients.

She also released her Official Music Video Clip “Mama Kudile,” and was Nominated at the Angola Music Awards 2014 in the category of “Best Popular Music of the Center of Angola.” In October 2014, Katumbella released her EP Album online entitled, “My Beginnings.”

In 2015 she Won the Akademia Music Awards for Best EP - World Beat "My Beginnings" and Best Music Video - World Beat "Mama Kudile."

By mid-2015, Katumbella partnered with the Guitarist/Musician, Emmanuel Robert, founder of Okem International Band; a renowed local Dance/Soukous band, whose musical work has been featured on Fox 26 News Channel. A guitarist of instinct, Emmanuel has a flair for playing catchy songs that leave the listeners moved by the raw emotions in them. Although his roots are firmly placed in Soukous music, he draws inspiration from different musical influences. Together with Katumbella, they are developing a new sound for the repertoire along with introducing a Soukous feeling to the fans.

Currently, Katumbella has been Live in Concerts with Okem band highlighting her vibrant and eclectic vocals with the unique sound of the guitar and the crowds love it. Katumbella is also working on her LP Album to be released in due time.