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Rajabu Abdul Kahali Ibrahim, widely known as Harmonize, is a prominent Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is celebrated as a trailblazer in the Afro Bongo genre, which blends Bongo Flava with Afrobeat, establishing himself as one of the leading artists in East Africa. Additionally, he is the founder of Konde Music Worldwide, a record label that has supported the rise of numerous talents.
In his latest release, “Finally,” Harmonize delivers heartfelt lyrics that convey profound love and commitment: “Babe, what can I do to win your love forever? Till the end, you and I together. I’m in love, finally, I’m in love. You got me falling in love.”
His emotive vocals seamlessly complement DJ Tarico’s captivating beat, creating a melody that is both heartfelt and suitable for dancing. The song encapsulates the essence of genuine love, resonating with listeners who have discovered or are searching for their ideal partner.
Miri Ben-Ari’s enchanting violin melodies infuse the track with elegance and passion, enhancing its romantic quality.
Listen to “Harmonize ft Miri Ben-Ari – Finally” below;
X Plastaz is a hip hop musical group from Tanzania, established in 1996 and based in Arusha. They are recognized as one of the leading acts in the Tanzanian hip hop scene. Their music uniquely blends international hip hop influences with traditional Maasai sounds, prominently featuring Maasai vocalist Merege. While Merege performs in the Maa language, the other group members rap in Swahili and Haya. Notably, Merege is often seen wearing traditional Maasai attire during performances.
The hip hop style of X Plastaz is characterized by a slower tempo compared to much of African hip hop, with a distinctive emphasis on deep Maasai chanting. Their tracks, including “Aha!”, “Dunia Dudumizi“, “Bamiza“, and the particularly popular “Msimu Kwa Msimu“, are celebrated hits within the bongo flava genre.
The original lineup of X Plastaz included the Ruff and Gsan brothers from Arusha, along with their friend and roommate Ziggy from the Tanga Region. They began their hip hop journey in 1995 while working in a barbershop. In 1996, they caught the attention of Bonnie Luv, a record producer from Dar es Salaam, who facilitated their first recording. Their debut hit, “Bamiza” (1998), quickly became one of the most played songs on Tanzanian radio for several weeks, followed by another hit, “Wachaga Piga Chata.”
In 1997, X Plastaz visited a traditional Maasai village west of Arusha, where they met Yamat Ole Meipuko, known as Merege, who was recognized as the local “singing champion” in his age group. They invited Merege to join them for performances around Arusha and Moshi. This collaboration led to the emergence of their “Maasai hip hop” style, which was met with immediate acclaim, solidifying Merege’s role as a permanent member of the group. Over time, they also welcomed additional members, including the younger siblings of Ruff and Gsan.
X Plastaz, the pioneering force in Maasai hip hop, captured the attention of Jay Rutledge, the esteemed editor of the Rough Guides ethnic music CD series. Their vibrant tracks made it onto the Rough Guides compilations spotlighting both Tanzania and African hip hop, which in turn propelled them onto the international stage, allowing them to tour through Europe and Latin America. A notable highlight was their participation in the World AIDS Day international event in 2002.
In 2004, the German label Out Here Records debuted X Plastaz’s full-length album, Maasai Hip Hop. This album featured hit tracks that had already gained popularity in the Rough Guides compilations.
Sadly, in 2006, the group suffered a heartbreaking loss with the passing of Nelly, who lost his life due to injuries from a stabbing on March 29. Born in 1976, he was the eldest member of the group and was well-known for his empathy towards the underprivileged, a characteristic that defined X Plastaz’s journey. The music video for Nelly’s last song, Nini dhambi kwa mwenye dhiki, shot at the majestic Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, has become one of the most viewed African music videos on YouTube. Despite this significant loss, X Plastaz remained steadfast and continues to thrive.
In 2009, they released Furaha, the lead single from their highly anticipated second album. That same year, Gsan made his mark by participating in the BET Cypher with KRS One, DJ Premiere, Wale and Nipsey Hussle, an annual event that highlights outstanding MCs in Brooklyn, New York City.
They introduced another stirring single, Afrika, at the Sauti za Busara festival in Stone Town, Zanzibar, in 2010.
On March 23, 2025, we gathered to honor the memory of Gsan, born Godson Rutta, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. As a tribute to his life, alongside that of Faza Nelly and all the other members we’ve lost, I crafted a special mix dedicated to the fans of X Plastaz, celebrating their profound impact on hip hop music in Tanzania.
SPECIAL THANKS: To “Jumanne Thomas” who was once very close to this group for the images and some rare Xplastaz joints in this mix below.
Azma Mponda is a hip-hop artist from Tanzania, currently based in Dar-es-Salaam. He embarked on his musical journey in 2009 after completing his college education.
In 2013, he became a member of a hardcore hip-hop collective known as Tamaduni Music. He is also a member of Kikosi Kazi hip hop group. Azma Mponda’s music is available on YouTube under the username “Azma Mponda,” and his Facebook page can be found at “AZMA HIP HOP (UMABE).”
After a lengthy hiatus since the release of “King of Love Stories,” Azma Mponda presents his new single “MOYO WANGU,” featuring Promisee. The music video is directed by @directornicco and produced by @teazvillah_. His management is handled by @johplaneta, with filming taking place at @puguhillsforestreserve. The video features @swity_eyes as the video queen, and both the audio and video were produced by @aznas_studio. The project is sponsored by @aznas_printing.
The lyrics of “MOYO WANGU” include themes of love and devotion, expressing sentiments such as: “MOYO WANGU, you once loved and were deceived, MOYO WANGU, when you love, you truly love, MOYO WANGU, belongs to my queen, MOYO WANGU, sweet as honey for my beloved.”
Mr. Blue Tz stands out as a prominent artist in today’s music landscape, particularly in Tanzanian hip hop and Bongo Flava.
His new track “Tutoke” showcases his musical talent, featuring memorable melodies paired with compelling lyrics that connect with audiences. This piece delves into the themes and significance of “Tutoke,” emphasizing Mr. Blue Tz’s influence on music and culture both in Tanzania and international.
Beka Flavour is a distinguished artist from Tanzania, celebrated for his contributions to the Bongo Flava music genre. One of his prominent tracks, “Nimesalenda,” conveys the feeling of being overwhelmed or profoundly in love. This essay explores the themes and importance of “Nimesalenda,” analyzing its influence on listeners and its role in the landscape of modern Tanzanian music.
“Nimesalenda” exemplifies Beka Flavour’s unique style, which fuses traditional African rhythms with contemporary hip-hop elements. This combination produces an engaging sound that resonates with a broad audience, especially the youth in Tanzania and beyond. The song features lively melodies and memorable lyrics, making it a popular choice at parties, weddings, and social events. Beka Flavour’s talent for blending diverse musical influences underscores the creativity and adaptability of Tanzanian artists in the global music arena.
Chino Kidd’s track “Tiririka,” featuring Lintonto, Xman RSA, Mfana Kah Gogo, and Deestar ZA, serves as a captivating representation of modern South African music, particularly within the Amapiano genre. Over recent years, Amapiano has surged in popularity, merging elements of house music, jazz, and lounge to create a distinctive sound that appeals to both local and global audiences.
The song “Tiririka” embodies the collaborative essence that characterizes the South African music industry. Each artist contributes their unique style, resulting in a lively portrayal of Amapiano’s communal spirit. Chino Kidd, recognized for his captivating lyrics and dynamic performance, establishes the mood with his fluid verses. Lintonto enriches the track with his melodic vocals, while Xman RSA adds a unique flow that enhances the interaction among the artists. Mfana Kah Gogo and Deestar ZA further elevate the song’s complexity, highlighting the rich diversity of talent within the South African music scene. Stream, enjoy, and share this Amapiano collaboration from Tanzania and South Africa below.
Listen to “Chino Kidd – Tiririka Ft Lintonto, Xman RSA, Mfana Kah Gogo & Deestar ZA” below.
Burna Boy, a leading figure in the international music landscape, has played a pivotal role in advancing Afrofusion, a genre that merges Afrobeat with a variety of musical influences such as dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop. His partnership with Joé Dwèt Filé on the song “4 Kampe II” illustrates the effectiveness of musical fusion in crafting a distinctive sound that appeals to a broad audience. This essay delves into the song’s components, its cultural relevance, and its influence on modern music.
“4 Kampe II” is distinguished by its engaging rhythm and enchanting melodies. Burna Boy’s rich, smooth vocals harmonize with Joé Dwèt Filé’s more melodic style, resulting in a vibrant interaction that captivates listeners. The track embodies the spirit of summer with its lively tempo and uplifting energy. The lyrics celebrate themes of love and unity, making it an ideal anthem for social events and celebrations. This collaboration emphasizes the connection between two artists from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating how music can bridge cultural divides.
Listen to “Burna Boy Ft Joé Dwèt Filé – 4 Kampe II” below;
Jamal Coded, the bold rapper from Kitunda Relini, collaborates with renowned Tanzanian rap artists Fid Q and Dizasta Vina to release a compelling hip-hop anthem titled “Legacy.” Celebrated for his incisive lyricism and authentic street narratives, Jamal Coded is a prominent figure in the Bag Flippas movement, which is transforming the landscape of Swahili rap.
“Legacy” is an unfiltered and thought-provoking song that fuses traditional hip-hop elements with impactful lyrics. Fid Q contributes his iconic wordplay, while Dizasta Vina enhances the track with his sharp delivery, making it essential listening for genuine hip-hop enthusiasts.
Listen to “Jamal Coded Ft. Fid Q & Dizasta Vina – Legacy” below;
Boniface Kilosa, commonly known as BoniLuv, and also referred to as Papa Luv or Scratch Master, is a prominent DJ from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He has been instrumental in the evolution of the DJ and music production landscape in Tanzania, especially during his time at Mawingu Disco Tech and Studios in the 1980s and throughout the 1990s.
BoniLuv’s enthusiasm for music began in his adolescence, prompting him to hone his DJ abilities in various clubs and hotels throughout Dar es Salaam. He furthered his knowledge in music production and sound engineering during his time in the UK and the US. At Mawingu Studios, he not only records music for a variety of artists but also produces commercial advertisements.
He credits his success to the support he received from his peers at Clouds FM radio station, where he held the roles of director and presenter for many years.
Throughout his career, BoniLuv has developed a wide-ranging skill set that encompasses music production, sound engineering, DJing, and the design of commercial advertisements. He has also gained expertise in music programming and possesses an extensive understanding of the music industry. 2K Mawingu Studios has been responsible for producing records for numerous artists, including Mwanafalsafa, Manduli Mob, Crazy GK, Solid Ground Family, AY, Lady Jay Dee, Bizman of InAfrika Band, Bambo, RD, Mister Ebbo, Kasiri, JLT, and many others.
In the early 1990s, him and his colleagues at Mawingu Studios in Mwenge, Dar es Salaam, recorded their first album titled “The Clouds – Msela,” which was released in 1994. The album featured major hits, including the title track “Msela” and “Siamini.” BoniLuv also played a significant role in promoting several artists, such as Hard Blasters, GWM, Gangwe Mob, Dar Young Mob, Unique Sisters, Ugly Faces, Grazy GK, and Professor Jay, who was then known as Nigga Jay. Additionally, he had the chance to collaborate with Ngomanagwa, formerly known as Taff B, who recorded a track at these iconic studios.
BoniLuv’s favorite artist is the late Bob Marley, and he encourages aspiring musicians to approach their craft with seriousness and dedication.
Explore a selection of past works produced by “DJ Boniluv” below.
It is Thursday once again, which means it is time for Throwback Music, allowing us to reflect on the good old days filled with great tunes. Today, we will spotlight the group “Ugly Faces” hailing from Ilala Shariff Shamba in Dar-es-Salaam. This duo consisted of two aspiring rappers eager to make their mark in the music industry: Benjamin McDennis Kamtawa, known as Mac D, and Khatibu Amani, referred to as Easy Daz.
L to R: Mac D, B Moses (Homeboy) & Eazy Daz – Ilala.
Their debut single was recorded at Mawingu Studios in Mwenge, Dar-es-Salaam, under the production and engineering of Boniphace Kilosa, also known as DJ Boniluv. Released in 1995, the single titled “Wapambe Nuksi” quickly became a hit, igniting excitement among the youth during their performances at secondary school concerts. Its success was undeniable.
In 1996, they returned to the same studio to record a second single, again collaborating with DJ Boniluv, after their manager at the time, Richard Mwandemani, also known as DJ Richmaka, secured the necessary resources. This second track, “Chachatika,” further solidified Ugly Faces’ presence in the Tanzanian music scene.
However, in 1998, the group disbanded when Easy Daz relocated abroad in search of a better life. This prompted Mac D to embark on solo projects, collaborating with various artists. Notable collaborations during this period included “Twiga Featuring Soggy Doggy,” “Kifo Cha Nyani Featuring Balozi Dola Soul,” “Tabibu Remix Feat Juma Nature“, “Nakupenda Si Utani Feat Unique Sisters and “Njoo Ucheze na Mi,” among others. He subsequently released his first solo album, titled “Hali Yangu.”
Mac D continues to pursue music to this day, although he also works at a clearing and forwarding company. Meanwhile, Easy Daz has settled in Brazil, South America.
Feel free to listen to a few audio snippets and a track from the “Hali Yangu” LP below.
NGOMANAGWA 