Magandjin/Brisbane hip-hop-meets-funk trio Tjaka today announce their debut EP Elevate, set for release on June 20. With the announcement comes the group’s latest single ‘Marching Band’ alongside the news of their headline Australian tour this June/July. LISTEN + WATCH ‘MARCHING BAND’ HERE + BUY TICKETS HERE.

Across the five tracks on Elevate, Tjaka flex their ability to cross genres and experiment with sound, all while staying true to their cultural roots. The EP charts their musical and cultural journey to date, reflecting growth, transformation, and a deep connection to Country. It captures the moment they step on stage and tap into something greater (a feeling they liken to gaining “superpowers”) as they become a heightened version of themselves through music. Each track is crafted to energise and uplift, offering a glimpse into the sound, spirit, and unstoppable force that define Tjaka.

To celebrate the announcement, Tjaka share their latest release from the EP titled ‘Marching Band’, marking another frenetic offering that seamlessly crosses lines of genre. Where their lead single ‘In A Box’ was A Tribe Called Quest-inspired rap cut, ‘Marching Band’ reflects an array of chopped vocal samples, 808s, their trademark Didjeribone sound (a slide didgeridoo similar to a trombone) and marching band style drum samples – indicative of their continued groundbreaking experimentation.

Dedicated to the idea of constant improvement in all aspects of their craft, Tjaka share that “Marching Band is about taking on a challenge of being our best with confidence. The song uses our experiences of undertaking the challenge of pursuing music itself. We liken it to navigating through a jungle as the music industry is fast paced and ever changing so we have to be ready to work hard, adapt and continue to be on the move throughout the journey.”

Watch: ‘Marching Band’ (Official Video)

Praised as “a band who are destined for evolution, lead by their passion” (triple j Unearthed), Tjaka are building on the wave of plaudits from their previously released ‘Dancing Mood’, ‘Break It Down’, ‘Bada Dada’ and ‘The Shake Up’ with Dameeeela, and ‘In A Box’, which saw support from COLORS, Rolling Stone AU/NZ, triple j, triple j Unearthed and RAGE among others, with ‘Marching Band’ now adding another dimension to their catalogue.

In celebration of Elevate, Tjaka will be delivering their electrifying live show across Brisbane/Magandjin, Cairns/Gimuy, Wollongong/Woolyungah, Sydney/Gadigal and Melbourne/Naarm this June and July. The tour arrives after a UK run at The Great Escape and joins their extensive live resume that includes performances at Splendour in The Grass, Dark Mofo, BIGSOUND, SXSW Sydney, Woodford Folk Festival and PASIWALI Festival (Taiwan).

Comprising of two Fabila brothers Geoff and Jake, cousin Luke, and close friend Felix Fogarty, Tjaka is derived from “Tjakamarra”, the skin name given to the Fabilas, who are proud descendants of the Jabirr Jabirr tribe in the Western Australian Kimberley. Blending elements of electronic, funk and hip-hop with Aboriginal ancestral influences, Tjaka’s vision sets out to showcase the connections between the old and the new, crafting music that is deeply connected to their Aboriginal heritage.