BY LOMQHELE NXUMALO
From the choral stands of school to sharing stages with international stars like Makhadzi, Joseph Mugande known to the world as J Tonga is carving out a legacy that is as vibrant as the town he calls home. A proud Tonga man whose stage name is a fusion of his identity and his heritage, J Tonga is more than just a musician; he is a storyteller and an advocate for the talent brewing in the Matabeleland North region.
J Tonga’s journey began in the disciplined environment of choral music during his primary and high school years. This foundation allowed his vocals to mature and instilled a deep-love for harmony.
In 2019 he released his first single post-school. Though it faced technical hurdles with the beat, it marked his official entry into the industry. The song “Jaga Jaga” (now on YouTube) became his definitive introduction to the public, showcasing his unique sound and energy.
Today, he describes the J Tonga brand in three powerful words: Consistent, Brilliant, and Bold.
Choosing the Afro-genre was a deliberate move. For J Tonga, music is about resonance. He crafts vibrant, Afrocentric sounds that tap into the Zimbabwean love for dance, aiming to bring happiness and energy to his listeners. His upbringing in Hwange is the heartbeat of his work. Describing Hwange people as “loving, kind, and humble but with big dreams,” he uses his platform to act as a reporter for his community.
His rise has been bolstered by a strong local support system. He credits much of his brand development to Saymore “Imour” Shoko, while acknowledging the influence of regional pillars such as Innocent Mpala, Godwin “Blackstone” Ndlovu and Titus Beats.
“Through my music, I want to show the world that we’re there too and we’re people who can change the world and influence it positively.”
Sharing the stage with giants like Makhadzi, served as a turning point. These experiences taught him that music is a serious career path that demands professional branding and hard work. His philosophy remains grounded: Humility is key. He believes the fan is the “boss” (fadza mutengi), yet he emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s authentic self and decorum.
While he views himself as still climbing, the industry has already taken notice: His song “Feelings”, Topped the charts at Skyz Metro FM (Bulawayo) for a full month and held the number one spot at Breeze FM (Victoria Falls) for two months. J Tonga also earned a nomination for Male Artist of the Year at the Victoria Falls Awards.
Though he loves his entire discography, his personal favorite is “Poison.” The track tackles the “Mjolo pandemic” the hurt and betrayal often found in modern dating. By singing about someone who has given up on love, he connects with the raw, day-to-day emotional realities of his audience.
J Tonga isn’t just dreaming; he’s planning. With a focus on radio play, high-quality music videos, and digital streaming, he is pushing for wider visibility. In five years, he expects to see J Tonga on billboards, headlining major festivals rather than curtain-raising, and being celebrated as a flagship artist for Matabeleland North and Zimbabwe at large.
“Everything is possible as long as you put your heart and work into it… starting late is better than not starting at all.”
