It is Thursday once again, which means it is time for Throwback Music, allowing us to reflect on the good old days filled with great tunes. Today, we will spotlight the group “Ugly Faces” hailing from Ilala Shariff Shamba in Dar-es-Salaam. This duo consisted of two aspiring rappers eager to make their mark in the music industry: Benjamin McDennis Kamtawa, known as Mac D, and Khatibu Amani, referred to as Easy Daz.

Their debut single was recorded at Mawingu Studios in Mwenge, Dar-es-Salaam, under the production and engineering of Boniphace Kilosa, also known as DJ Boniluv. Released in 1995, the single titled “Wapambe Nuksi” quickly became a hit, igniting excitement among the youth during their performances at secondary school concerts. Its success was undeniable.

In 1996, they returned to the same studio to record a second single, again collaborating with DJ Boniluv, after their manager at the time, Richard Mwandemani, also known as DJ Richmaka, secured the necessary resources. This second track, “Chachatika,” further solidified Ugly Faces’ presence in the Tanzanian music scene.

However, in 1998, the group disbanded when Easy Daz relocated abroad in search of a better life. This prompted Mac D to embark on solo projects, collaborating with various artists. Notable collaborations during this period included “Twiga Featuring Soggy Doggy,” “Kifo Cha Nyani Featuring Balozi Dola Soul,” “Tabibu Remix Feat Juma Nature“, “Nakupenda Si Utani Feat Unique Sisters and “Njoo Ucheze na Mi,” among others. He subsequently released his first solo album, titled “Hali Yangu.”

Mac D continues to pursue music to this day, although he also works at a clearing and forwarding company. Meanwhile, Easy Daz has settled in Brazil, South America.

Feel free to listen to a few audio snippets and a track from the “Hali Yangu” LP below.

Ugly Faces – Wapambe Nuksi (Snippet) below;

Ugly Faces – Chachatika (Snippet) below;

Mac D – Njoo Ucheze Nami Video below;