- Black Market Records

Tarel Tara

Musican/Band

🎤 Tarel Tala – Biography & Career

Tarel Tala (real name Jonathan Kawooya, born February 5, 2001) is a Ugandan Afropop, Afro-beat, R&B singer, songwriter, and music producer known for his smooth vocals, storytelling, and genre-blending sound that resonates across East Africa. He was born and raised in Kampala, Uganda, particularly in the Ntinda suburb, and developed a passion for music from a young age.

Early Life & Musical Roots

Tarel’s musical journey began early — he joined the church choir as a child, which laid the foundation for his vocal development and performance skills. Growing up, he nurtured his talent while schooling and later ventured into professional music, writing and producing his own songs.

Career & Sound Evolution

Over the years, Tarel has distinguished himself with a versatile sound that blends Afropop, Afro-zouk, R&B, and contemporary Afro-beat. He’s known for love-themed tracks as well as reflective pieces that speak to everyday experiences.

Tarel released his debut album Star Made in 2022, a nine-track collection featuring love ballads and upbeat melodies like “Matta”, “Biluma”, “Dream With Me” and others that showcased his range and vocal strength.

He followed this with projects such as the EP Legends Are Made In Kampala, which includes crowd favorites like “Munange” — a song that became especially popular for its heartfelt narrative about love and desire.

Notable Releases & Impact

Tarel continues to release music that spans emotional ballads and danceable Afrobeat tracks. In 2025 he put out songs such as “Muntu Wange” and “Parara”, demonstrating his ongoing creative evolution and connection with fans across digital platforms.

His music is available on major streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube, where he continues to grow his audience both in Uganda and internationally.

Artistic Identity & Influence

Tarel Tala’s style is characterized by emotive vocals, smooth melodies, and the ability to traverse genres while remaining authentic to his roots. His songwriting often reflects themes of love, ambition, and emotional depth — qualities that resonate deeply with listeners across generations.