Tag: Balozi Dola Soul

Throwback Thursday | Balozi Dola Soul – Nani Na Nani

Indeed, it is once again Thursday, and as you are already aware, it is
time for this week’s Throwback Joint. Our focus will be on a member of a
rap and hip hop group from Tanzania who achieved significant success in
the 1990s. This artist is known by the stage name Balozi Dola Soul,
also referred to as (Balozi Wenu) “Dolasoul

Balozi Dola Soul, born “Ahmed Dola,” began his career while he was a
student in Nigeria. He was raised in a family that prioritized
education, viewing it as the key to a better life. Initially, rapping
was merely a fun activity and not perceived as a potential career. After
completing his studies in the UK, Balozi returned to Tanzania and
pursued a career as a hip hop artist.

Upon his return to Tanzania, Balozi became a member of the rap group Tha
De-Plow-Ma-TZ
, which included other members who were sons of Tanzanian
diplomats. DPT stands for Tha De-Plow-MaTZ. Alongside Balozi Dola, the
group featured Saigon Treach, born “Saleeh Mzee,” Trip Dogg, whose real
name is “Philip Mwimanzi,” and Storm, known as “Amour Shamte.” The group
released their debut self-titled LP in 1997 and was recognized as the
best rap group in Tanzania in 1999.


The Throwback Joint from Balozi marks his initial solo project outside
of the group. The song, titled “Nani Na Nani,” poses the question to
fans and the masses, “Nani na nani yupo kwenye fani hii, nauliza nani na
nani
?,Essentially asking, “Who’s running the rap scene?” The song
gained popularity on radio stations such as Radio One Stereo, CTN
Radio, and Radio Free Africa, among others. It was released in 1999.



Balozi released his solo LP in 2002, titled Ubalozini. The album
featured a variety of hits, including “Kwenye Chati,” “Dini na Dunia Ft
Afande Sele
,” and “Homa ya Jiji Ft Immam Abbas, Mac D & Inspectah
Haroun
.”

Enjoy “Nani na Nani by Balozi Dola Soul” below;

Throwback Thursday | Mac D Ft. Balozi Dola Soul – Kifo Cha Nyani.

It is yet another Thursday, and the moment has arrived to relax with today’s Throwback Thursday feature. Today, we will highlight the one and only Ilala Native, Benjamin McDennis Kamtawa, who is more commonly known by his stage name, Mac D or Mac Dizzo. The song we will showcase today is titled “Kifo Cha Nyani,” which features a Legendary Mc from the group Tha De-Plow-Ma-Tz, known as Balozi Dola Soul, born Ahmed Dola can be heard on the Intro of the track. In the song “Kifo Cha Nyani,” which translates to “The Death of a Monkey,”

Mac D discusses the challenges of life and incorporates a segment of a Swahili proverb to convey his message. This Swahili verse states, “Siku ya nyani kufa, miti yote huteleza.” This Swahili proverb implies that on the day a monkey dies, all the branches of the trees it attempts to grasp become slippery and lose their grip.

The true meaning or message behind it is that it describes the condition of an individual when faced with misfortune, bad luck, or a period of failure. It suggests that when a person encounters difficulties, every step they attempt to take or every assistance they seek seems to fail, as if everything is working against them. This proverb is also frequently used in political contexts or in everyday life to depict a time when an individual struggles to overcome challenges. This song was recorded in 2001 at MJ Records.

Mac D has been actively collaborating with various Bongo Flava/Hip Hop artists, such as Soggy Doggy on the track “Twiga,” and Unique Sisters on songs like “Lazizi.” He previously worked with them on the track “Nakupenda Si Utani,” and they also joined forces on a Unique Sister song titled “Bounce.” The collaboration between Mac D and Unique Sisters appears to be exceptional, leading to numerous joint projects. Additionally, he released a track in 2019 called “Mchepuko,” featuring “Country Wizzy

Listen to ” Mac D Ft Balozi Dola Soul – Kifo Cha Nyani” below;


THROWBACK | THA DE-PLOW-MA-TZ

It is another Thursday, and we are pleased to present this week’s Throwback Thursday feature. Today, we will discuss two initial singles from the group that significantly influenced the youth in Tanzania.

DPT stands for “De-Plow-Ma-Tz.” The ensemble consists of “Saigon Treach” ( Saleeh Mzee), “Balozi Dola Soul” (Ahmed Dola), “Trip Dogg” ( Philip Mwimanzi), “Stiggo” (Stiggo Mwamba), and “Storm” ( Amour Shamte). Additionally, the DPT family includes manager and organizer Ngwessa.

The origins of DPT date back to 1992 when Saigon, Stiggo, and Trip Dogg met at Tambaza Secondary School and began rapping for enjoyment. Over the years, various individuals have joined DPT for varying lengths of time. Saigon encountered Dola Soul in Lagos, Nigeria, where their families resided. As suggested by the name, the core members of DPT are sons of Tanzanian diplomats, who have provided them with considerable support.

Today, we will focus on their first single, which did not appear on their debut album, “Tha De-Plow-Ma-Tz.” The track, titled “Word is Born,” was recorded at Soundcrafter Temeke Studios (1996) and served as the group’s introduction, featuring members who were primarily students at Tambaza Secondary School. The second single, “Turuke Kwa Furaha,” was included in the album.

Please listen to these two songs below.

Tha De-Plow-Ma-Tz – Word Is Born (Snippet)

Tha De-Plow-Ma-Tz – Turuke Kwa Furaha.

N.B: Special Thanks to Jumanne Thomas and Balozi Dola Soul for the audio clips and artwork/photos.