Tamba Tongu is an artist whose personality carries him to success. Passionate and optimistic, the multifaceted DC native admitted that it “gets me in trouble sometimes,” but his spirit and faith allow him to throw all of himself at his endeavors, knowing the net will appear.
As a kid, Tamba pored over music videos, naming “Can You Feel It” by the Jackson 5 as the one that got him hooked. “I believe I was around 4 or 5.” While he grew up playing trombone in a band, and eventually writing music with his brother, a pianist and guitarist, during the long high-school summer days, Tamba began to think about his own creation of music from a different inspiration.
Preferring the melodies of Nelly, the energy that Tupac brought to the mic, and the adlibs and harmonies of the Backstreet Boys, Tamba took another route. It’s a path that has taken this artist as far and wide as winning the Austrian Open for Best Song to being featured by the NFL.
Tamba’s newest release, “Never Back Down” (produced by AyoMecca), is an intense, driving hip-hop track with vocals growling with determination. Quick drum taps are paired with an atmosphere as heavy as LA’s smog, making the anxiety and resilience in the song almost palpable.
“The song is about being in Los Angeles, and working multiple jobs, sleeping in not-so-ideal places while still pursuing my music and art,” the artist told us. He added that it’s also about “having to be humbled by seeing the people I love and grew up with have houses and other things.”
The song is about getting through it all; “continuing to work hard and smart and not letting adverse situations stop me.”
The music video for “Never Back Down” was filmed by Rob Harrow, an award-winning filmmaker in his own right, and the trick will have a place on Tamba’s forthcoming EP, “Change of Pace,” dropping this summer.
A master of many crafts, there is more to Tamba than just the music and struggle. He’s a model, an actor, and a content creator to boot. With a successful TikTok following of 132k and features in House of Highlights and The Source, Tamba has already left a sizable mark. The artist cited Michael Jordan as an inspiration for his branding excellence, and the influence is clear with Tamba.
Keep up to date with Tamba at the following, and stream “Never Back Down” now.
Instagram: @tambatongu
Twitter: @TambaTongu
TikTok: @iamtambatongu
