DJ Boniluv – NGOMANAGWA

Boniface Kilosa, commonly known as BoniLuv, and also referred to as Papa Luv or Scratch Master, is a prominent DJ from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He has been instrumental in the evolution of the DJ and music production landscape in Tanzania, especially during his time at Mawingu Disco Tech and Studios in the 1980s and throughout the 1990s.

BoniLuv’s enthusiasm for music began in his adolescence, prompting him to hone his DJ abilities in various clubs and hotels throughout Dar es Salaam. He furthered his knowledge in music production and sound engineering during his time in the UK and the US. At Mawingu Studios, he not only records music for a variety of artists but also produces commercial advertisements.

He credits his success to the support he received from his peers at Clouds FM radio station, where he held the roles of director and presenter for many years.

Throughout his career, BoniLuv has developed a wide-ranging skill set that encompasses music production, sound engineering, DJing, and the design of commercial advertisements. He has also gained expertise in music programming and possesses an extensive understanding of the music industry. 2K Mawingu Studios has been responsible for producing records for numerous artists, including Mwanafalsafa, Manduli Mob, Crazy GK, Solid Ground Family, AY, Lady Jay Dee, Bizman of InAfrika Band, Bambo, RD, Mister Ebbo, Kasiri, JLT, and many others.

In the early 1990s, him and his colleagues at Mawingu Studios in Mwenge, Dar es Salaam, recorded their first album titled “The Clouds – Msela,” which was released in 1994. The album featured major hits, including the title track “Msela” and “Siamini.” BoniLuv also played a significant role in promoting several artists, such as Hard Blasters, GWM, Gangwe Mob, Dar Young Mob, Unique Sisters, Ugly Faces, Grazy GK, and Professor Jay, who was then known as Nigga Jay. Additionally, he had the chance to collaborate with Ngomanagwa, formerly known as Taff B, who recorded a track at these iconic studios.

BoniLuv’s favorite artist is the late Bob Marley, and he encourages aspiring musicians to approach their craft with seriousness and dedication.

Explore a selection of past works produced by “DJ Boniluv” below.

The Clouds – Msela Album (1994)

Hard Blasters – Mabishoo “Snippet” (1994)

Kwanza Unit – Tucheze “Snippet” ( 1994)

GWM – Cheza Mbali na Kasheshe “Snippet (1995)

Nigga J (Prof jay) & Taff B (Ngomanagwa) – Fascinating Rhymes (1997)

Crazy G.K Ft Carola Kinasha – Upanga East Coast West Coast “Snippet”(1996)

Gangwe Mobb – Chelea Pina (Live Version) “Snippet” (1996)

Gangwe Mobb is a hip hop ensemble hailing from Tanzania, specifically the Temeke neighborhood in Dar es Salaam. The group consists of two members: Inspector Haroun, whose real name is Haroun Kahena, and Luteni Kalama, known as Karama Bakari.The term “Gangwe” is derived from a popular slang expression from the 1980s, signifying “hardcore.” In their music, gangwe encapsulates the gritty and urban hip hop ethos that characterizes the majority of their tracks.

Their initial success came with the single “Mauzauza” in 1996, Dogo Side Boy was also included in this single. This single was recorded at Mawingu Studios and produced by legendary DJ Boniluv.

Their first album, “Simulizi La Ufasaha,” featured national hits such as “Ngangali” and “Mtoto wa Geti Kali.” The group’s second album, “Nje Ndani,” released in 2002, included what is arguably their most famous track, “Asali wa Moyo.” One of their singles, “Bundasiliga,” translates to “slinger of bundles of hay,” conveying a significant social message. Additionally, they collaborated with the Kenyan group Necessary Noize on the song “Tunajirusha.”

Gangwe Mobb has characterized their musical style as cartoon rap (rap katuni in Swahili), which reflects the experiences faced by lower-class urban youth in their daily lives. Their songs have contributed to the development of a new slang dialect, with each track introducing unique slang terms.

Among their works is the song “Rap Katuni,” featured on the “Nje Ndani” album.

At the 2004 Tanzania Music Awards, their album “Nje Ndani” received a nomination for Best Hip Hop Album. This album was Produced by Bongo Records own, P Funk Majani.

Gangwe Mobb NJE NDANI Cassette Tape Album Cover.

Since 2004, the group has been relatively inactive. Inspector Haroun has pursued a solo career, while Luteni Kalama has maintained a lower profile, associating with Wanaume Family, led by Juma Nature. In 2008, Gangwe Mobb announced their intention to make a comeback.

They have indicated that their name was inspired by the iconic hip-hop group Mobb Deep.

Listen to 5 of their tracks they have released as a group below;

Gangwe Mobb – Mauzauza