Tag: Bongo 90s

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)