Today, KILIMANJARO and Junior Simba release their new collaborative single, “Channel Z,” out now via Diplo’s house/techno label Higher Ground. It’s the first time the two artists, who both excel in crafting Afro-inspired house and club music, have officially come together on a release.
Buy / Stream KILIMANJARO, Junior Simba – Channel Z https://higherground.ffm.to/channelz
With KILIMANJARO and Junior Simba being of Zambian and Zimbabwean heritage, respectively, “Channel Z” refers to the body of water that separates the two countries, the Zambezi River, which is featured on the cover art for the release. United by their African backgrounds and shared love for UK club music, the two have created a unique record that channels the power of uninhibited expression.
“The track is all about finding expression and finding an outlet for internal feelings when you don’t have the words for it,” says Junior Simba, who, alongside KILIMANJARO, created “Channel Z” whilst recovering from a big night. The two holed up in a studio, with KILIMANJARO providing the impassioned vocals to create the call and response that is the crux of this record. While it may sound like a different language, he is, in fact, just vocalizing—unleashing his energy in its purest, most spontaneous form, accompanied by heavy bass and percussion. “Initially, it was two mates just messing about in a studio, and it ended up being something truly special!”
This may be their first official release together, KILIMANJARO and Junior Simba have had a busy 2023. In March, Junior Simba appeared on KILIMANJARO’s program for the respected radio station Rinse FM, which was followed by an invitation for Simba to support one of his shows at the London club, Phonox.
KILIMANJARO is having his moment right now globally. In the past year, he’s been personally invited by Fred again.. as support on numerous shows, including their now legendary Boiler Room stream together, leading to a sought-after residency at Phonox in London, where he took control of the club for four consecutive weeks back in April. His tour schedule this past summer has been packed with some of the biggest festivals and clubs in Europe, including Glastonbury, Kappa Futur Festival, Circo Loco @ DC10 and Warehouse Project. His music has been played out by the likes of Jamie Jones, Pete Tong, Skream, and many more. KILIMANJARO’s infectious energy behind the decks is second to none and has a truly special ability to rouse a crowd, which will be showcased at his many forthcoming shows, including Ushuaia Closing in Ibiza and his All Night Long show at the legendary Village Underground in London on Nov 3rd.
From Zimbabwe to Leeds, Junior Simba fuses his original sonic influences of Rhumba, Kwaito, and Afro with house music, drum & bass, Amapiano, and beyond. The result is a concoction of highly unique sounds that blend together like you’ve never heard before. Junior Simba has received strong support from BBC’s top Radio 1 DJs and Rinse FM. His release “Precision” was named Essential New Tune last year, and he was named One To Watch by The Blessed Madonna. In addition to his recognition from Beatport, he’s also been the cover of UK House Music on Spotify twice, as well as other playlists across DSPs. This year he performed at Glastonbury and Secret Garden Festival, with an upcoming stop at Warehouse Project and Adaptations Festival in his hometown of Leeds.
KILIMANJARO Tour Dates
September 30 – Boundary Festival, Brighton, England
September 30 – Warehouse Project, Manchester, England
October 6 – Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Scotland
October 7 – Ushuaia – Closing Party, Ibiza, Spain
October 14 – The Bullingdon, Oxford, England
October 20– Terr (ADE), Amsterdam, Netherlands
October 31 – Spray Shop, Liverpool, England
November 3 – Village Underground – All Night Long, London, England
November 10 – La Cheetah, Glasgow, Scotland
November 11 – Back To Minehead – Minehead, England
November 17 – DGTL Festival, Bangalore, India
Nov 18 – DGTL Festival, Mumbai, India
Junior Simba Tour Dates
September 29 – YES, Manchester, England
September 30 – Adaptations Festival, Leeds, England
October 28 – Warehouse Project, Manchester, England
Connect with KILIMANJARO
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify
Connect with Junior Simba
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify