Tag: Bongo 90s

THROWBACK | KWANZA UNIT

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Kwanza Unit, abbreviated as KU, translates to “First Unit” and was established in 1993 through the amalgamation of various groups, including the Villain Gangsters led by the renowned rapper Rhymson (also known as Ramadhan A. Mponjika), Riders Posse, Tribe X, along with several solo artists.

The founding members of Kwanza Unit include Rhymson, KBC (Kiba Cha Singo), D-Rob (Robert Mwingira), Eazy-B (Bernard Luanda), Emmam Abbas (Abbas Maunda), Fresh-G (Godfrey Koshuma), and Y-Tang, among others. Additionally, there exists a broader network of affiliated individuals known as the Kwanza Unit Foundation or Kwanzanians.

Kwanza Unit attained international recognition, performing on two occasions in Nairobi, Kenya, and receiving an invitation to Nigeria in 1998, which they were unable to accept due to unforeseen circumstances.

The group’s debut album, self-titled Kwanza Unit, was released in 1994, followed by their second album, Tropical Techniques, 1996. Their third album, Kwanzanians, was launched in 1999, available in both tape and CD formats. The single “Msafiri,” featured on the third album, Kwanzanians, gained notable attention.

Although Kwanza Unit has since disbanded, several former members continue to pursue solo music careers. The new generation emerging from the Kwanza Unit lineage includes artists such as One the Incredible and Khalid Kumbuka.

Notable members of Kwanza Unit included:

  • Chief Rhymson (Ramadhan A. Mponjika)
  • KBC (Kiba Cha Singo)
  • D-Rob (Robert Mwingira) – deceased in 2002
  • Eazy-B (Bernard Luanda)
  • Bugzy Malone (Esrom Margat)
  • Papa Sav (Makanga Lugoe)
  • Abbas Maunda
  • Baraka
  • Ndoti Mwingira
  • Fresh-G
  • Y-Thang
  • Gaddy Groove
  • Adili Kumbuka – deceased in 1994

Explore a selection of samples from the three albums they released below;.

1.Kwanza Unit LP

Kwanza Unit – Amani (Snippet)

Kwanza Unit – Wataka Huku (Snippet)

2.Tropical Tekniqs LP

Kwanza Unit – Nata

Kwanza Unit – Dedication (To the late Adili) (Snippet)

3. Kwanzanians LP

Kwanza Unit – Msafiri (Snippet)

Kwanza Unit – Run Tings Remix (Snippet)

THROWBACK | Mr Paul

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Mussa Tagalile & Paul Mbenna

Paul Mbena, known by his stage name Mr. Paul, began his musical career as a member of the R&B group 4 Krewz Flava, which comprises three individuals all born in 1975. This trio draws inspiration from the renowned group Boyz II Men and is particularly noted for their a cappella renditions of R&B and blues music. The members include Paul Mbena from the Songea Region, Mussa Tagalile from Southern Tanzania, and Abdul Kitenge from Tanga.

Mr Paul

Founded in 1995, 4 Krewz Flava used to performed at nightclubs, beauty pageants, and fundraising events, primarily delivering their music in English. The group claims to have been the only ensemble of its kind in Tanzania during the 1990s. They recorded several songs together before Mr. Paul embarked on a solo career.

Da 4 Krewz Flava Concert Flyer. Special Thanks to (Jumanne Thomas) for this photo.

One of Mr. Paul’s initial solo projects after the dissolution of his group was “Mpenzi Njoo.” In 1998, he released “Gozi Gozi” as a single track under MJ Records, produced by Master J, which garnered considerable success and received extensive airplay across the nation. In 2002, he introduced another hit song, “Buzi,” featuring Inspectah Haroun and produced by P Funk Majani at Bongo Records. That same year, he launched his debut album, “Ndani ya Love,” which includes notable tracks such as “Zuwena,” “Chocolate,” “Nakuzimia,” “Kigugumizia” among others. Presently, Mr Paul resides in Melbourne, Australia with his family and continues to participate in music on occasion.

Check the Cassette Cover of the Album “Ndani Ya Love” below;

Regarding Mussa, he is active as a digital creator and collaborates with SAGCOT in the agricultural sector. After the group’s dissolution, Mussa worked at the television station “I.T.V” under I.P.P Media. The third member, Abdul Kitenge, unfortunately, has an unclear current status, and his activities remain unknown.

Mussa Tagalile

Here is a segment of A capella performed by Paul and Mussa as “4 Kreuz Flava”.

Mr Paul – Mpenzi Njoo (Snippet) “Special Thanks to Jumanne Thomas for this Audio“

Mr Paul – Gozi Gozi

Mr Paul Ft. Inspectah Haroun – Buzi

THROWBACK | G.W.M (Gangsta With Matatizo)

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G.W.M stands for Gangstas With Matatizo also Known as Mazimwi, with the term “matatizo” being Swahili for problems. Attempting to embody the persona of a U.S.-style gangsta rapper in Dar es Salaam certainly presents its challenges. Nevertheless, G.W.M remained committed to reality rap, exclusively in Swahili, addressing the everyday struggles faced in the streets of Bongo, a colloquial name for the city of Dar-es-salaam that implies the necessity of intelligence for survival, as “bongo” translates to smart or clever in Swahili.

We compose our own lyrics and tackle societal issues. It is crucial to express perspectives that diverge from the official government narrative, as stated by K.R, one third member of the group.

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

The Makala brothers began their rapping journey in 1993 while still in secondary school. Their father, Edward Makala, was a distinguished authority on traditional music in Tanzania. K.R. joined the duo in 1995, the same year they triumphed in a talent competition organized by Don Bosco, a studio owner in Dar. This victory provided them with the opportunity to record several songs with the support of a well-known group, which gained considerable popularity.

In 1997, G.W.M performed at couple of paid events, a commendable achievement for a rap group in Dar. Their primary audience consists of secondary school, college, and university students, a demographic shared by many other rap groups in the area.

Furthermore, GWM secured a contract with Mawingu Studios and started to record their full-length cassette. Their track “Yamenikuta” became a hit in November 1997, addressing the issues they observe in the streets of Dar that trouble them. This song features Tanzanian rap pioneer Joseph Mbilinyi, also known as Sugu or Mr II. “Yamenikuta” translates to “It bothers me.” They later on released they album titled ” Mikosi”

GWM has also released popular tracks such as “Cheza Mbali na Kasheshe,” “Haya Twende,” “Kipe Kitu,” “Mguu nje mguu ndani” featuring Balozi Dola Soul, and “Watapatapa,” among others.

Enjoy these three excerpts from GWM’s classic songs;

G.W.M – Haya Twende (Snippet);

G.W.M – Kipe Kitu (Snippet);

G.W.M Ft. Mr II – Yamenikuta (Full Track);

Special Thanks to Jumanne Thomas of http://www.africanhiphop.com for sharing some of the Audio Clips for this Post.

THROWBACK | Sos B Ft. Mr Paul – For You

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Sos B

Today is Thursday, the day after Christmas, which serves as the occasion for the “Throwback Thursday Joint of the Day.”

The highlighted track for December 26th, 2024, is by one of Tanzania’s rap pioneers, Sosthenes Ambakisye, popularly known as Sos B, featuring his song “For You.”

This particular track stands out as one of the rare instances where he performs in English, showcasing his lyrical adaptability. In this collaboration, he is joined by another industry innovator, Paul Mbena, known as Mr. Paul, who contributes the hook. The recording was produced at MJ Studios, under the guidance of Joachim Kimaryo, also referred to as Master J. Enjoy this remarkable track, and best wishes for the holiday season to everyone.

Sos B had hits like “Kukuru Kakara zako”, “Ikibidivyo”, “Saturday” etc

Listen to the snippet of this song here;

THROWBACK | AFRO REIGN

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Nature P

This Thursday’s throwback group of the week highlights a notable ensemble that significantly influenced the Tanzanian music scene, particularly during the 1990s. Afro Reign, formed in June 1996, consists of Bonny Harmony (born Boniface Kalemera), Dray (born Raymond Mutagahywa), Nature P (born Sebastian Maganga, who balanced his education with hosting a show on Radio One), and Judy (born Judith Wambura, was still persuing her education), who is now recognized as “Lady Jaydee.”

Lady Jaydee

Dray, whose father was a university lecturer, shares a similar educational background with his fellow members. Both Bonny and Dray credit their shift towards hip hop and rap to their enthusiasm for basketball. Dray was formerly associated with Kwanza Unit and currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he specializes in digital product and program management.

Dray

The group is known for their freestyling abilities, often choosing a theme for improvisation, followed by discussions to enhance their final output. Their debut track, “Afro Drama,” features elements of freestyling, boasting, and self-assertion. In the song “Rejuvenation,” each member delivers a verse.

Bonny Harmony

Afro Reign has recorded at Master J’s studio and collaborated with P-Funk. As none of the members are instrumentalists, they have utilized session musicians for specific recordings, while most of their instrumental backgrounds are sampled from existing rap tracks, in line with traditional rap practices. Their most memorable song, “Saa za Kazi,” features Hashim Rubanza, also known as “Hashim Dogo,” who is fondly referred to as Mwendawazimu anayependa fedha taslimu.

Here are several Audio snippets from Afro Reign:

1. Saa za Kazi featuring Hashim Dogo

2. Rejuvenation

3. Nina Choma (Afro Reign begins with a traditional melody)