Tag: African Hip Hop

Throwback Thursday | Hard Blasters Crew – Mambo Ya Mjini.

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It is Thursday once more, and today we are honoring the 90’s Tanzanian Hip Hop ensemble, The “Hard Blasters Crew” (HBC). The group initially consisted of five members: Terry Msiagi (Luna T aka Fanani), William Shundi (Big Willie aka Crazy One), Ngida Raphael (KC1), Gabriel Kilunga (Tuff Jam), and Frank Korassa (Trigger F).

In 1993, they took part in the Yo Rap Bonanza Competition and secured the second position. This achievement prompted them to launch their debut album, “Mambo Ya Mjini,” in 1994 which included hit tracks such as “Matapeli,” “Cheka nao,” “Mabishoo,” and “Ni Hard Blasters.”

Today, we will concentrate on the self-titled track from this LP, “Mambo Ya Mjini.” In this masterpiece, you will hear “Terry” and “Big Willy” sharing insights about urban life, and the chorus goes, “Usiige Mambo ya Mjini, Oh Yeah Usiige hovyo Mambo Ya Mjini, Ooh yeah.”

Special appreciation goes to Norbet for the audio.

Enjoy this rare gem below ⬇️ and remember to follow us on our social media pages across all platforms 💎 🔥🔥💥💥💯💯💯

Hard Blasters – Mambo Ya Mjini (Snippet)

Throwback Thursday | Underground Souls – Battlefield

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This Thursday, http://www.ngomanagwa.com is presenting a unique track to celebrate this week’s Throwback Thursday, featuring the Dar-es-Salaam group known as “Underground Souls” with their impactful song titled “Battlefield“.

The group consisted of three members who each delivered powerful verses on this track. These members were Abbas Maunda “Emmam Abbas”, the late Steven Mdoe, also recognized as DJ Steve B, and Baraka Kongwa.

Released in 1997, this song made a significant impact on the airwaves of Radio One Stereo. The lyrics were entirely in English, encompassing all three verses along with the hook. These three artists ensured that all MCs active in the 90s were put on notice.

Enjoy this exceptional track below and remember to follow me on all my social media platforms. This is a snippet of this song (2 verses)

Throwback Thursday | G.W.M – Haya Twende

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It is Thursday, which signifies a special moment. Today, we honor G.W.M with their track “Haya Twende”, one of the two songs that marked their entry into the Tanzanian music scene.

G.W.M, an acronym for Gangstas With Matatizo, is also referred to as Mazimwi, with the word “matatizo” translating to problems in Swahili. Emulating the persona of a U.S.-style gangsta rapper in Dar es Salaam undoubtedly poses its own set of challenges.

However, G.W.M has remained dedicated to reality rap, performing solely in Swahili, and tackling the daily hardships encountered in the streets of Bongo. This term, a colloquial reference to Dar es Salaam, suggests the need for intelligence to navigate life, as “bongo” means smart or clever in Swahili.

The group is comprised of three members:
D CHIEF (real name Robert E. Makala)
EASY DOPE (real name Richard Makala), who is the elder sibling of D Chief
K.R. MULLAH (real name Rashid Ziada)

The music of the 90s had its unique flavor. A special acknowledgment goes to DJ “Boniluv” real name “Boniphace Kilosa” (Photo below) for producing this track and their album “Mikosi.” Their most popular song was “Cheza Mbali na Kasheshe.” K.R. Mullah and D Chief formed an inseparable duo.

Additionally, a shout-out to Jumanne Thomas for sharing the audio clip of this song. #bongo90s #gwm #tmkstyle #tbt #bongothrowback🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯

Listen to “Haya Twende” 2 verses from G.W.M below;

Throwback Thursday | Prof Jay Dropping a Verse in Twin Cities (Minnesota 2010)

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It is another Thursday, and as you are aware, it is time to present this week’s Throwback Thursday joint. Today, we will concentrate on the heavyweight MC himself, “Professor Jay.”

This video clip was filmed in Minnesota in 2010. Can anyone identify the song from which the verse that he is rapping originates? The first individual to provide the correct answer to this trivia question will receive an mp3 of the song.

Enjoy this rare moment featuring Joseph Haule, also known as Prof Jay, delivering a verse while entertaining and spending time with fellow Tanzanians and family residing in the Twin Cities.

Watch the Video Clip of Prof Jay Below;

Throwback Thursday: Hashim Dogo – I Smoke Emceez

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It is another Thursday, and this one is particularly significant. It marks the first Thursday of the year 2026. Given this occasion, our selection for the Throwback Joint of the week is Triple OG Hashim Rubanza, also known as Hashim Dogo, featuring a track he recorded in 1998 at Bongo Records under the guidance of P Funk Majani.

The song is titled “I Smoke Emceez.” In this piece, the title itself is quite revealing. Hashim begins the track with the phrase, “And here is Little Some Local,” while cleverly mimicking Bob Marley’s hook from “I Shot the Sheriff,” slightly altering it to align with his concept for this joint.

This song consists of four verses; however, today I will only present the first two verses along with the chorus. This is one of the rare and exceptional tracks he has ever produced. For more tracks like this, please visit my social media at Instagram, facebook, reverbnation, tiktok, X, youtube etc @ngomanagwa.

N.B. Special thanks to J4 for sharing this audio.

Listen to the Snippet of “I smoke Emceez” by Hashim Dogo below;

Throwback Thursday | Hard Blasters Crew – Tupo Nyuma.

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As you are aware, it is Thursday once again, and today we are paying
tribute to the 90’s Tanzanian Hip Hop group, The “Hard Blasters Crew”. Our
emphasis today will be on their third and final album, which was
launched in 1999 after being recorded at MJ Records. This achievement
was made possible with the inclusion of Joseph Haule, known as Professor
Jay, who was previously referred to as Nigga J. This album, entitled
“Funga Kazi 2000,” features popular tracks such as “Chemsha Bongo,”
“Mamsap,” and “Chuzi Limekubali.” The entire album was produced by
Ludigo Bishota.

The highlighted track of the day is titled “Tupo Nyuma,” which is also
part of this LP and features contributions from Big Willy and his late nephew LB Geniuz, Fanani and Prof Jay .

In this collaboration, they discuss the challenges of life due to bribery, waste, and unfair favoritism, indicating that the country is heading in a negative direction. To be frank, this track is quite impactful.

Enjoy the snippet of this song below.

Throwback Thursday | Kwanza Unit – Itapobidi.

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Kwanza Unit, commonly referred to as KU, means “First Unit” and was formed in 1993 through the merger of several groups, including the Villain Gangsters, led by the famous rapper Rhymson (also known as Ramadhan A. Mponjika), Riders Posse, Tribe X, and various solo artists.

The founding members of Kwanza Unit consist of Rhymson, KBC (Kiba Cha Singo), D-Rob (Robert Mwingira), Eazy-B (Bernard Luanda), Fresh-G (Godfrey Koshuma), and Y-Tang, among others. Furthermore, there is a wider network of associated individuals known as the Kwanza Unit Foundation or Kwanzanians.

The group’s first album, titled Kwanza Unit, was released in 1994, followed by their second album, Tropical Techniques, in 1996. Their third album, Kwanzanians, was released in 1999, available in both tape and CD formats. The single “Msafiri,” which is part of the third album, Kwanzanians, received significant attention.

Today, our throwback post will highlight the song “Itapobidi,” which features verses from all five members who recorded the first album in 1994. I am sharing a snippet of approximately 2 minutes so you can experience 90’s hip hop music in Tanzania. Enjoy this rare gem recorded at Mawingu Studios, Mwenge Dar-es-salaam, under the production of the legendary DJ and Producer Boniphace Kilosa, also known as DJ Boniluv.

Listen to “Kwanza Unit – Itapobidi (Snippet)” below;

AUDIO | Kiri Ft Mkorinto – Mtutu

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“Mtutu” by Kiri featuring Mkorinto is a captivating track that presents a blend of lively rhythms and memorable melodies. This collaboration emphasizes the distinct styles of both artists, resulting in a sound that appeals to enthusiasts of modern African music.

The song frequently delves into themes of love, celebration, and cultural pride, encouraging listeners to dance and relish the moment. With its irresistible beats and invigorating energy, “Mtutu” is ideal for social events and festive celebrations.

Listen to “Kiri Ft Mkorinto – Mtutu” below;

Download MP3;

AUDIO | Kaa La Moto Ft Simba Zee, Black Mtengwa, Tricks, Tylo M! Chbo Dee, Survivor, Musa Kiama, Young Njita, Ohms Law Montana, Emkay 64, Reagan Dandy – Funga File Cypher

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The East African music industry is in a constant state of evolution, with collaboration playing an increasingly vital role in the creation of impactful songs. A prime example of such collaboration is the recent track “Funga File Cypher,” which features a talented group of artists including Kaa La Moto, Simba Zee, Black Mtengwa, Tricks, Tylo M, Chbo Dee, Survivor, Musa Kiama, Young Njita, Ohms Law Montana, Emkay 64, and Reagan Dandy. Released in 2025, this song exemplifies how artists can unite to produce a rich and engaging musical experience.

“Funga File Cypher” is distinguished not only by its catchy melodies but also by its distinctive fusion of styles and lyrical themes. Each artist contributes their unique voice and background, resulting in a diverse sound that appeals to a wide audience. The song features an infectious rhythm and clever wordplay, making it both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. The collaborative essence of the song underscores how modern music often embodies the strength of unity and creativity among various talents.

Watch “Kaa La Moto Ft Simba Zee, Black Mtengwa, Tricks, Tylo M! Chbo Dee, Survivor, Musa Kiama, Young Njita, Ohms Law Montana, Emkay 64, Reagan Dandy – Funga File Cypher” below;

Download MP3;

Throwback Thursday | Soggy Doggy Anter – Sauti Ya Ghetto Ft Drez Chief & Jos Mtambo

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It is yet another Thursday, and as per our tradition, we present a throwback track of the day. This week, our attention is directed towards my friend and family member, Anselm Ngaiza, widely recognized as Soggy Doggy Anter. Today, our focus takes us back to 1999, from his album titled Bongo New York, which features a song named “Sauti ya Ghetto“.

In this track, Soggy collaborated with Drez Chief from the group BDP Kamili, representing Kinondoni, and Jos Mtambo from Kigamboni, Dar-es-salaam. The phrase Sauti ya Ghetto is a Swahili term that translates to “Ghetto Sound.” The album also includes other well-known songs such as “I Love You Too” featuring Unique Sisters, “Kifo” featuring the late legend Dr. Remmy Ongala, among others.

The song consists of three verses, with each artist taking turns to deliver their verses, showcasing various rapping styles, metaphors, and lyrical patterns. Upon its release, this song received significant airtime on all FM radio stations in Tanzania.

Listen to “Soggy Doggy Anter – Sauti Ya Ghetto featuring Drez Chief and Jos Mtambo” below;