Tag: Bongo 90s

Throwback Thursday | Ugly Faces – Chachatika

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It’s Thursday again, and that means it’s time for Throwback Music! A chance to dive back into those unforgettable tunes that shaped our musical journeys. Today, let’s shine a spotlight on “Ugly Faces,” a dynamic duo hailing from Ilala Shariff Shamba in Dar-es-Salaam. Made up of two ambitious rappers, Benjamin McDennis Kamtawa, better known as Mac D, and Khatibu Amani, or as we fondly call him, Easy Daz.

We’ll be focusing on their second single, recorded at Mawingu Studios in Mwenge, Dar-es-Salaam, with the talented Boniphace Kilosa, also recognized as DJ Boniluv, handling the production and engineering.

After their hit debut single “Wapambe Nuksi,” which had already set the stage on fire back in 1995, this pair quickly captured the hearts of the youth, especially during their electrifying school concert performances. The track was a huge success!

Then in 1996, they returned to Mawingu Studios for their follow-up track, again teaming up with DJ Boniluv. Thanks to their manager at the time, Richard Mwandemani (or DJ Richmaka as many know him), they secured the funding needed to bring their vision to life. Their second release, “Chachatika,” solidified Ugly Faces’ spot in the Tanzanian music scene.

Take a moment to enjoy “Ugly Faces – Chachatika” for the next 3 minutes, and don’t forget to follow me on all my social media here: linktr.ee/djngomanagwa.

Throwback Thursday | N2P – Fikiri Chini

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Another Thursday presents itself, offering an occasion to examine a distinguished musical ensemble originating from Kurasini, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. NIGGUZ II PUBLIC (N2P) was a prominent hip-hop collective that garnered considerable recognition throughout the 1990s.

The ensemble comprised three performers: K Bass, G Buffa, and Diz Nigga. Their acclaimed compositions, including “Lazima Ukubali” and “Fikiri Chini,” among others, exerted substantial influence on Radio One Stereo during 1996.

Our focus today centers on their composition “Fikiri Chini (Vijana Kwa Makini),” which conveys the meaning “Youth should Think, Pay Attention, and Remain Mindful of their Surroundings.” The song fundamentally communicates that individuals must commit to pursuing the long-term aspirations they have established for themselves.

The track “Fikiri Chini” was recorded and produced at DON BOSCO STUDIO under the direction of Producer Marlone Linje.

Please find this recording from N2P presented below.

Throwback Thursday | Hard Blasters Crew – Pata Potea

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Hard Blasters Crew

Today is Thursday, and we are honoring The Hard Blasters Crew, a prominent Tanzanian Hip Hop ensemble from the 1990s. Our focus today will be directed toward their third and final album, which was released in 1999 following its production at MJ Records.

This accomplishment became possible after the addition of Joseph Haule, known professionally as Professor Jay, who had previously been credited as Nigga J. This album featured notable tracks including “Chemsha Bongo,” “Mamsap,” and “Chuzi Limekubali.” The entire project was produced by Ludigo Bishota.

The featured composition of today is titled “Pata Potea,” which is also present on this LP and includes contributions from Big Willy, born William Shundi, in this outstanding work.

“Pata Potea” is a Swahili term that translates to “obtain or forfeit,” referring to a game of chance, a bet, or a risky endeavor in which one might succeed or fail entirely. Hard Blasters Crew created an impressive track employing this term. Terry Msiagi, performing under the moniker Fanani, also provided the vocal hook for this track. Hook – “Pata Potea, Pa Pata Potea. Utacheza Pata Potea kurukia usichoweza.” This is the only song on the album in which Big Willy performed two verses, specifically the opening and closing verses.

Enjoy “Hard Blasters Crew – Pata Potea” below; and don’t forget to follow me on all my social media pages @ngomanagwa1 Instagram and facebook @ngomanagwa Tiktok @djngomanagwa.

Throwback Thursday | G.W.M – Watapatapa

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It is Thursday, marking a significant occasion. Today, we pay tribute to G.W.M with their song “Watapatapa,” one of the two tracks that heralded their arrival in the Tanzanian music industry.

G.W.M, which stands for Gangstas With Matatizo, is also known as Mazimwi, with “matatizo” meaning problems in Swahili. Adopting the persona of a U.S. gangsta-style rapper in Dar es Salaam certainly presents its own challenges.

Nevertheless, G.W.M has remained committed to reality rap, performing exclusively in Swahili and addressing the everyday struggles faced in the streets of Bongo. This term, a colloquial reference to Dar es Salaam, implies the necessity for intelligence to navigate life, as “bongo” translates to smart or clever in Swahili.

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

The music of the 90s had its distinctive essence. Special recognition is due to DJ “Boniluv” (real name “Boniphace Kilosa“) for producing this track and their album “Mikosi.” Their most renowned song was “Cheza Mbali na Kasheshe” and “Kipe Kitu” where K.R. Mullah and D Chief formed an inseparable pair.

Furthermore, a special mention goes to Jumanne Thomas for providing the audio clip of this song. Enjoy this rare treasure and do not forget to follow all my social media @ngomanagwa

bongo90s #gwm #tmkstyle #tbt #bongothrowback🎼🎼🎼🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯

Listen to “Watapatapa” featuring 2 verses from G.W.M below;

Throwback Thursday | Bugsy Malone Ft D Rob – Utaona

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D Rob and Bugsy 1998 MJ Rec

It is Thursday, marking a significant occasion. Today, we honor a member of the Kwanza Unit foundation, known as Bugsy Malone born Esrom Margai, for his track “Utaona,” which was one of the few songs that heralded their arrival in the Tanzanian music scene in 1999.

In this masterpiece, Bugsy collaborated with a fellow member of Kwanza Unit, who was also his close friend, Robert Mwingira, known as D Rob, and sometimes referred to as Zomba.

All verses were performed by Bugsy in English. The hook of this joint was delivered in Swahili by D Rob, and it goes as follows:

“Kama hujui unakotoka, hujui unakokwenda
Fikiri kabla ya Kutenda. Fanya Unachopenda Iliandikwa haikusemwa.
Fanya mapema sasa nasema, vitabu vilishachomwa, Sitorudia tena, kama unajua we utaona,…”

Bugsy Malone

This song received considerable airtime on the radio during that period. It introduced Bugsy to rap music enthusiasts who were previously unaware of him. He relocated to the USA the same year the song was released and continues to reside there to this day. Unfortunately, D Rob passed away in 2002. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Furthermore, a special acknowledgment goes to Jumanne Thomas for sharing the audio clip of this song. #bongo90s #drob #bugsymalone #utaona #bongothrowbacks🎼🎼🎼🔥🔥🔥💯💯

Enjoy this rare gem below, and do not forget to follow me on all my social media accounts @ngomanagwa.

Listen to “Bugsy Malone Ft D Rob – Utaona” Snippet below;

Throwback Thursday | Hard Blasters – Time For Action Feat. Killa B

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Today is Thursday, and we are once again celebrating the legendary 90’s Tanzanian Hip Hop Music from The Hard Blasters Crew. Our spotlight today is on their third and final album, released in 1999 after being recorded at MJ Records. This achievement was made possible by the inclusion of Joseph Haule, known as Professor Jay, who was previously called Nigga J. The album, titled “Funga Kazi 2000,” features popular tracks like “Chemsha Bongo,” “Mamsap,” and “Chuzi Limekubali.” The entire production of the album was handled by Ludigo Bishota.

The track highlighted today is “Time For Action,” which is also part of this LP and features contributions from Killa B born Badi Sangu of “Imeditation Kingdom” (2nd Photo below). He is the guy who introduced Nigga Jay to Hard Blasters Crew . In this collaboration, they emphasize the necessity for action without excuses. Terry Msiagi, also known as Fanani (Photo below), performed the first verse on this track. This is the sole track on the LP that was recorded in English.

Joseph Haule, widely recognized by his stage name Professor Jay, is a Tanzanian hip hop recording artist, politician, and former member of the Tanzanian parliament representing the Mikumi constituency. He stands as a significant figure in the “Bongo Flava” Tanzanian hip hop subgenre, which blends elements of Western hip hop with Tanzanian traditions, incorporating Swahili lyrics and an activist stance on pressing social issues in Tanzania, such as “UKIMWI” translate to HIV/AIDS, wealth disparity, and political corruption.

While the rain may be halted, the honor of Prof Jay in Bongo Flava cannot be diminished. On May 1, 2026, the Bongo Flava Honors will finally realize Jay’s long-awaited induction ceremony. History will be made at 710 Garden, Kawe, with Sugu The Jongwe commemorating the event.

Listen to “Hard Blasters Crew – Time for Action (Prof Jay & Killa B Verses) below;

Throwback Thursday | Fun With Sense – Kithatha

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I understand that it is Thursday, and I felt compelled to share this song as I have been searching for it for quite some time. My sincere gratitude goes to @_norbjr_ (instagram handle) for discovering this gem 💎.

Truly, you are remarkable for unearthing these timeless classics. The song is titled KITHATHA, performed by the FUN WITH SENSE Group in the 1996. This marked JOS MTAMBO’s initial entry into the music scene, and he certainly did not disappoint alongside his collaborator Omari.

This track also made a significant impact due to its message, particularly its aim to inspire young individuals regarding AIDS, complemented by impressive flows and an unconventional style that truly showcased his talent in the industry.

I invite you to enjoy this brief 2-minute clip and reminisce about the good old days with such incredible gems 💎 like this. Let’s embrace it 🎆🎆🎆🔥🔥🔥💯

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: 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 | Tha De-Plow-Ma-TZ – Two of the Kind.

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Indeed, it is yet another Thursday, and as you are already aware, it is time for this week’s Throwback 🔙 Joint.

Today, we will be highlighting the group THA DE-PLOW-MA-TZ and their track TWO OF THE KIND, which was recorded and released in 1997.

This song was produced by John Mahundi, who also contributes to the hook with his harmonization. This track marks the first collaboration with John Mahundi, who later gained recognition for producing numerous works for King Crazy GK and the East Coast team.

In the song “Two of the Kind,” only two members of the group Tha De-Plow-Ma-TZ are featured, namely Saigon and Balozi Dola.

Enjoy this rare gem 💎 and remember to check out social media platforms for more music and similar posts. Stay tuned.

Listen to Two of the kind (snippet) by Tha Deplowmatz below;