A unique artist who distils the essence of beauty and soul into song. Kobya has gone from a promising shy young singer in a Catholic Church of Maputo ghetto, Mozambique, to a bona fide force on the international music scene. He comes from a family of singers, dancers, story tellers and traditional healers, known as Tinyanga.
Kobya is a natural self-taught multi instrumentalist, a versatile singer song writer who's never been afraid to explore and express. Kobya's voice carries the spirit of his idols especially Peter Tosh & Miriam Makeba.
Kobya has collaborated musically with well known Australian & international artist like Ross Hannaford-Daddy Cool, Archie Roach and Chris Wilson for most of his albums. He's been blessed with many skills, at age 4 he was working out his first instrument 'Xitende' one string bow known as Birimbao in Brazil. He made his first guitar out of empty 1 and 5 ltr oil trash cans, fishing line, electric wire and disposed wood he collected in Landfill. Before he could barely read or write, Kobya was playing music.
Kobya has been a key force in bringing his Mozambican roots to Australian audiences, via communities, schools, theatres and festivals after arriving here as an asylum seeker in thelate eighty's. Kobya, first known as Carlos Panguana, began singing with various local groups exploring folklore jive & acid rock, finding himself as front man with a popular Afro-jazz dance band.
Looking for a more challenging position Carlos moved on 3 years later to mainstream music joining a rock funk band, in between also teaching narrative song & A'ccapella, singing & performing to school students & children in hospitals throughout Australia.
In 1994, Carlos released his first original composition, an EP "VIVA AFRICA" a popular Roots 'n' Reggae track especially dedicated to all refugees. That very same year he went on to record his first full reggae album titled 'SON GO TO SCHOOL' inspired by Nyabinghi Gondwana indigenous chants, of which he wrote & co-produced. The result was a surprise success! some tracks received deserved attention, the track 'Ma Ma' was a Mozambican Fm radio station airplay favourite for years to come, while 'Strange World' became a popular Melbourne Dj's club remix, the main track title Son Go To School, had influences in TAFE Colleges, libraries and communities across the country
Melbourne ABC radio offered Kobya the opportunity to record acoustic live to air, the folk album titled 'RADIO PANGUANA' , which opened new doors for his music career . At this time he was well and truly established as a singer song writer and on partnership with a local independent record label. He released both 'RADIO PANGUANA' & 'VAKA HINA'-acoustically raw & timeless . Both CD's were written & released in the same year as part of school projects across Australia.
In 2005 Carlos reclaimed his childhood name Kobya Panguana and released ' I'm Sorry ' album, exploring mainstream pop music, this lead to the creation in 2006 of 'No-one I know' album which opened new doors and reached top 10 in the charts thanks to Music Oz and Apra / Amco.
Kobya has since released countless singles, EP's and his most successful album 'Professional Fool' , a reggae album birthed in Sth Golden Beach, Australia & recorded in a ghetto studio of Cape Town, Sth Africa. Through his music, Kobya tells his story with grace and ebullience, covering social and environmental issues, love despair and injustice whilst celebrating the Omnipotent life gift.
His performances and workshops are vibrant and fun for all ages, from beginners to professionals. Kobya offers a holistic cultural experience encompassing music, movement, rhythm and sound. His music puts a smile on your face and makes you want to sing and dance!
Kobya continues to explore and express his soul on this musical journey, he is currently working on his new album 'MoFyah' dedicating his work to the Highest Force, giving thanks through his lyrics as a free man & advocate of Truth.
Respect.
