Tag: Bongo Flava

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 | Centona – Tanzania

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Centano’s heartfelt and patriotic composition “Tanzania” honors and provides solace to the people of Tanzania. Released during a period of national grief following the loss of loved ones in this year’s general elections, the song radiates a profound sense of hope, healing, and unity.

Through its moving lyrics and soulful melody, Centano highlights the resilience and strength of the Tanzanian spirit while showing compassion for families who have experienced loss. The song depicts Tanzania as a nation in mourning yet bound together by empathy and brotherhood. It also calls for peace, love, and unity among its citizens.

Watch “Centano – Tanzania” below;

Download MP3;

AUDIO | Diamond Platnumz – Sasampa Ft. Focalistic X Uncool MC X Silas Africa X Xduppy

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Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, widely recognized as Diamond Platnumz, is a prominent Tanzanian artist, showcasing his talents as a singer, songwriter, dancer, and entrepreneur. He emerged from the streets of Tandale to establish himself as one of Africa’s leading music export brands. As the founder and CEO of WCB Wasafi, his musical repertoire encompasses Bongo Flava, Afro-pop, Afrobeats, R&B, and more.

In the track “Sasampa,” Diamond Platnumz presents a vibrant, cross-continental collaboration that connects the musical styles of East and South Africa. This song features contributions from Focalistic, Uncool MC, Silas Africa, and Xduppy, and is already being categorized under Amapiano, indicating a direction that is friendly to dancefloors and clubs.

The term “Sasampa” in Swahili slang translates to “Hela“, “Pesa“, or “Money” (particularly in the context of wealth or abundance). The song is unapologetically celebratory, with “Sasampa” signifying “money overflowing.”

The lyrics inspire listeners to invest, express love, and enjoy life, emphasizing that if one wishes to indulge, for instance, “kama unataka warembo tia hela, usipeleke maua,” then demonstrating real wealth is the essential language to communicate.

You can listen to “Diamond Platnumz – Sasampa ft. Focalistic, Uncool MC, Silas Africa & Xduppy” below;

Download MP3:

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;

AUDIO | Msodoki Young Killer – Sayansi Ft Belle 9

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Msodoki Young Killer, who was born and raised in Tanzania, is a notable figure in the East African music industry, recognized for his powerful voice and street-smart lyrical approach.

Rising from the hip-hop and Bongo Flava scenes in Dar es Salaam, he earned acclaim through collaborations that fused rap, melody, and social commentary, establishing himself as one of the vibrant storytellers in Tanzanian hip-hop.

In his song “Sayansi” featuring “Belle 9“, Msodoki delves into the intricate emotional landscape of relationships: the feelings of disappointment, trust issues, and the desire to give love another opportunity, even when everything your partner says begins to sound like mere “sweet talk.” He employs the metaphor of science, or “sayansi,” to illustrate how women, love, and emotions can seem as complex as formulas that need to be unraveled.

You can listen to “Msodoki Young Killer – Sayansi Ft. Belle 9” below;

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AUDIO | Roma Mkatoliki Ft. Abiud – Teremsha Bunduki

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Ibrahim Mussa, widely recognized by his stage name Roma Mkatoliki, is a rapper and activist from Tanzania, hailing originally from Tanga and currently residing in Dar es Salaam. He has made a name for himself by fusing socially-aware lyrics with the raw energy of hip-hop, and his public image has been influenced by both his musical endeavors and his activism.

In the song “Teremsha Bunduki“, Roma Mkatoliki collaborates with Abiud to deliver a powerful track that employs vivid imagery to delve into themes of resistance, survival, and the burdens of living under pressure. Although the term “bunduki” (which translates to “gun” in Swahili) is used literally, its application in this context conveys a deeper symbolism, representing power, threat, and the ways in which individuals strive to be acknowledged or heard.

You can listen to “Roma Mkatoliki Ft. Abiud – Teremsha Bunduki” below;

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AUDIO | ZAiiD Ft Ndaro – Vitoto Vya 2000

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Tanzanian rapper ZAiiD has made a comeback with a new song titled “Vitoto Vya 2000“, featuring the well-known comedian Ndaro, and it is already generating excitement on social media.

What distinguishes this track is its distinctive blend of hip hop and Catholic choir (kwaya) melodies, providing listeners with a refreshing yet nostalgic experience.

“Vitoto Vya 2000” transcends the conventional boundaries of bongo hip hop. ZAiiD adeptly merges Catholic kwaya-style harmonies with contemporary rap flows, while Ndaro’s witty lyrical input introduces a playful and relatable element to the theme. The melody of the track evokes the ambiance of a Sunday mass — yet the beat and lyrics maintain a streetwise and modern feel.

Listen to “ZAiiD Ft Ndaro – Vitoto Vya 2000” below;

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Throwback Thursday | Hard Blasters Crew – Cheka Nao

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Tuff Jam

It is yet another Thursday, and as per our tradition, we are set to present the joint of the week. Today, our attention will be directed towards a group originating from Upanga, Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania, known as Hard Blasters Crew.

This ensemble, Hard Blaster Crew, released a track titled “Cheka Nao” in 1994, featured on their album Mambo Ya Mjini. In this LP there were songs like “Mabishoo“, “Matapeli“, “Ni Hard Blasters” and many more. “Cheka Nao” was crafted by the renowned DJ and producer Boniluv at Mawingu Studios.

Here, we present a verse from the one and only member of the group, recognized for his Chopper Style of Rapping (Tongue Twist), akin to MR Chip FU from the group Fu-schnickens. His name is Gabriel Kilunga , also known as Tuff Jam.

Special thanks to Jumanne Thomas for the audio.

Enjoy this rare gem below ⬇️ and don’t forget to follow us on our social media pages on every platforms 💎 🔥🔥💥💥💯💯💯

Cheka Nao (Snippet)

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;