Music: Introducing Afro Pop musician InDuna

Wellington-based musician InDuna [Tyson Nemukula] shook hands with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace last year. 

Recognised for his entrepreneurship, he was named the Prince’s Trust Global Young Achiever after completing an enterprise programme that provided him with mentoring, finances and networking opportunities.

He has just released the second single, 'Take My Pain' off his upcoming Sophomore EP titled "Go High" .

A self-taught musician and producer, he also runs his own music production company called InDuna, which means advisor, leader, ambassador or commander of warriors in Zulu/Xhosa [two major Nguni languages spoken in South Africa].

Now married and paying off a mortgage in the Wellington suburb of Upper Hutt, at 28, an audience with King Charles did not come without unimaginable obstacles for InDuna. 

Growing up around a Johannesburg squatter camp and then an orphanage, he was adopted by a family who brought him to New Zealand; when that family unit broke down, he was placed back into state care, where he says he thought about ending it many times.

He told the Sunday Star Times that, as the only kid that looked like him in Wellington’s Oranga Tamariki system, he felt abandoned and alone.

Though InDuna's music is energetic and good for dancing, the lyrics tell a story about his experiences.

Coming out of Wellington's music scene, he's known for his melodic hooks, honest lyrics, and energetic sound, and has opened for Kiwi stars like Jess B and Deva Mahal.

He says growing up, he drew from a subconscious strength and resilience, and although he's not sure where it came from, it's led him to find solace and purpose in making music today.

His single, "Dreams", reached number six in the national music charts and was written for the documentary film Ink and Gold: An Artist’s Journey to Olympic Glory, it won Best Original Song at the International Online Web Fest (IOWF) where it was nominated for six awards.

His other standout singles, “All My Love,” and “Black Man Running” have captured attention for their emotional depth and bold production. 

Leading up to the release of his sophomore EP "Go High" out 28 July 2025, he brings fans and new audiences the second single “Take My Pain”, which has a rhythm that seems to aim to do just that.

Stay tuned for a full-length interview coming up on the Third Culture Platform soon!

Listen to 'Take My Pain' on SPOTIFY and all streaming platforms. 

Check out the first single of his sophomore EP below: