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James Johnston Reflects on Global Success and Tamworth Memories

by Barbara
James Johnston

Australian country music star James Johnston is taking a moment to unwind under the shade of a tree in Queensland, fresh off his first international tour. The highlight of his overseas journey was a performance in front of 30,000 people at the Cape Town Country Festival, following the success of his single “COUNTRY IS FOR ME.”

Johnston, who co-wrote the song with Afrikaans country artist Appel, has forged a close friendship with his South African collaborator. The single quickly became the most streamed country track—and nearly the most streamed song overall—in South Africa, a remarkable feat for an emerging country act. “It was honestly two of the craziest weeks of my life,” Johnston shared. “I went over there as an unknown artist, and within two weeks, the song had skyrocketed. To perform it live at a festival and have the entire crowd sing it back to us was surreal.”

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The song’s success speaks to the universal appeal of country music, a theme Johnston has always celebrated in his work. “It’s that same sense of belonging, a sense of country pride, whether you’re in Australia or South Africa,” he explains. “It’s bigger than just one community. I wanted to capture that feeling of unity through my music.”

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Johnston’s career has been marked by numerous milestones, including a significant connection to Tamworth, where he has made lasting memories. He recalls the excitement of seeing his first artist flag in Tamworth’s main street and the pride he felt when he won his first Golden Guitar in 2022 for New Talent of the Year. “Now, to be hosting the Golden Guitars—it’s a very special full circle moment for me,” he says.

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The Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival will run from January 17-26, 2025, with the Golden Guitar Awards taking place on January 25th.

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