Tag: East African Music

AUDIO | WADAGLIZ – SYANDA

WADAGLIZ is an emerging talent in the Kenyan music industry, recognized for his distinctive sound and engaging lyrics. His most recent track, “SYANDA,” has received significant attention and acclaim since its debut. This essay will explore the themes, musical style, and overall influence of “SYANDA” on both WADAGLIZ’s career and the Kenyan music scene.

SYANDA” embodies the rich culture and lively spirit of Kenya. The title itself originates from a Swahili term that means “unity” or “togetherness.” This idea is fundamental to the song, as it highlights the significance of community and mutual support among individuals. WADAGLIZ leverages his platform to advocate for messages of unity, urging listeners to unite despite their differences. This theme resonates with many, particularly in today’s society, where divisions frequently overshadow the notion of unity.

Listen to “WADAGLIZ – SYANDA” below;

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AUDIO | Dogo Paten – Ungewezaje

Dogo Paten, a singeli singer has released a new song called “Ungewezaje” which is a poignant Bongo Flava single that addresses the anguish of betrayal and the sorrow of lost love. In this deeply emotional track, Dogo Paten expresses his feelings through impactful lyrics, pondering how someone he cherished could inflict such pain upon him “Ungewezaje?” (How could you?)

The song merges soulful melodies with a gentle, soothing beat, crafting a relatable anthem for anyone who has endured heartbreak. With his authentic vocals and sincere delivery, Dogo Paten continues to demonstrate his artistry and forge a connection with listeners on a personal level through this evocative release.

Listen to “Dogo Paten – Ungewezaje” below;

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AUDIO | Songa – Misamba.

Tanzanian rap heavyweight Songa makes a powerful return with his latest single, “Misamba,” a compelling track that fuses sharp lyricism with gritty production. This new release, crafted by the talented Black Ninja, highlights Songa’s raw storytelling prowess and lyrical supremacy within the East African hip-hop landscape.

Renowned for his intense delivery and socially aware lyrics, Songa employs “Misamba” as a lyrical canvas to depict authentic experiences, street wisdom, and the challenges of hustle and survival. The song’s Swahili title, Misamba, metaphorically signifies the struggles and harsh realities encountered by many in their daily lives themes that resonate profoundly with his audience.

Listen to “Songa – Misamba” below;

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AUDIO | Wakazi – Crooked Crown

Born Webiro Wassira also know as “Wakazi” has made his return, and this time he is fully committed. His latest track, “Crooked Crown,” has just been released and is already making waves in the East African rap scene. In this audacious lyrical declaration, Wakazi delivers his message with accuracy, assurance, and unfiltered truth, igniting discussions throughout Tanzania and Kenya.

In “Crooked Crown,” Wakazi addresses what he refers to as a “weak diss” from Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones (also known as O.G). However, instead of merely retaliating, Wakazi guides his audience through a lyrical exploration shedding light on the politics of East African rap, challenging the notion of false royalty within the industry, and championing Tanzanian artistry and cultural identity.

Listen to “Wakazi – Crooked Crown” below;

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Throwback Thursday | Wabakiaji

From L to R: Nazizi, Jaffarai, T.I.D and Jay Moe.

It is Thursday, which means it is time for this week’s Throwback Joint. Today, I will concentrate on a short-lived group consisting of three hip-hop artists from Kenya and Tanzania. The group was named WABAKIAJI, and its members included Naziz from Kenya, her cousin Jaffarai, and Jay Moe from Tanzania. This group recorded two tracks at Bongo Records under the guidance of the legendary producer P Funk Majani.

The titles of the songs they recorded were “Wabakiaji,” which translates to (Those who remained ‘Survivors’), and “Kama Ningetawala,” meaning (If I ruled). According to Jay Moe during an interview with Kuvichaka at the Classic of EFM, these songs were financed by Naziz.

Listen to “Wabakiaji” and “Kama Ningetawala” below;

Wabakiaji – Wabakiaji (Snippet)

Wabakiaji – Kama Ningetawala (Snippet)

AUDIO | Tannah SheKING Ft Moni Centrozone – YOLO.

Tannah SheKING, recognized as one of Tanzania’s most promising female hip-hop talents and the recipient of the Bingwa Award 2023, makes her return with an enthralling collaboration with Moni Centrozone a revered figure in the Bongo Hip Hop scene. Together, they unleash passion and sophistication in their latest single “YOLO“, produced by Paul Maker and launched under Kiri Records on July 4, 2025.

“YOLO” is a daring, romantic Bongo Flava track that merges urban elegance with poetic expression. Tannah infuses a soulful, melodic essence, while Moni Centrozone showcases his signature lyrical precision. Paul Maker’s production seamlessly integrates these elements, creating a sound that is both smooth and captivating.The song is emotional, uplifting, and primed for radio play a potential hit for 2025 and the years to come.

Listen to “Tannah SheKING Ft Moni Centrozone – YOLO” below;

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AUDIO | Mbuzi Gang Ft Fena Gitu – Girl Toto

The track “Girl Toto,” a collaboration between Mbuzi Gang and Fena Gitu,from Kenya highlights the vibrant and diverse landscape of modern African music. Recently released, this song exemplifies the fusion of contemporary sounds with traditional influences, marking it as a noteworthy contribution to the music industry. Mbuzi Gang is recognized for its distinctive mix of genres, primarily concentrating on Afro-pop and hip-hop. Their partnership with Fena Gitu, an accomplished artist renowned for her powerful vocals and catchy tunes, introduces a new dimension to the track.

Girl Toto” merges lively rhythms with captivating lyrics that resonate with its audience. The word “Toto,” which translates to “child” or “kid” in Swahili, is frequently used in an affectionate manner when referring to young girls. In this song, the artists celebrate the youthful essence and allure of a girl, advocating themes of empowerment and self-assurance. These themes hold particular significance in contemporary society, where young individuals are encouraged to articulate their thoughts and embrace their identities.

Listen to “Mbuzi Gang Ft Fena Gitu – Girl Toto” below;

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AUDIO | G Nako Ft Zuchu – Hapo

(George Sixtus Mdemu) commonly referred to as “G-Nako” collaborates with Tanzanian sensation “Zuchu” (Zuhura Othman Soud) for the electrifying new single “Hapo,” which was released on 6 July 2025. The song combines G-Nako’s smooth Bongo-Flava style with an infusion of Latin beats, creating a sound that is both danceable and captivating.

G-Nako was born in Arusha in May 1983 and is the sole son of Mr. and Mrs. Mdemu, a proud brother to two sisters, and a father to Samantha. Zuchu, who was born on 22 November 1993 in Zanzibar and is currently signed to WCB Wasafi, contributes her distinctive vocals and songwriting talent to this collaboration.

“Hapo” is already making waves on playlists throughout East Africa and beyond—demonstrating that when two of Tanzania’s top artists come together, the outcome is an immediate summer hit.

Listen to “G Nako Ft Zuchu – Hapo” below;

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AUDIO | Alikiba – Ubuyu

Ali Saleh Kiba, commonly referred to as Alikiba or affectionately known as King Kiba, is a renowned Tanzanian singer and songwriter. He is widely acknowledged as one of the premier musical talents in East Africa, establishing himself as a significant figure in the Bongo Flava genre. Currently, he makes a striking comeback with an exhilarating new single titled “Ubuyu” a certified hit poised to dominate the airwaves!

Ubuyu” marks Alikiba’s innovative foray into Singeli music from Tanzania. The title translates to “gossip” in Kiswahili, and the fast-paced track critiques social rumors and sensationalism. Released in mid-June 2025, it showcases incisive lyrics set against a vibrant Singeli beat signifying a daring evolution in his musical style.

Alikiba performing “Ubuyu“, presents the unfiltered truth exchanged in the streets, the type of discourse that has yet to reach the news, yet resonates loudly in daily conversations. In this track, Alikiba taps into the heartbeat of the community, utilizing the dynamic rhythms of Vanga and Singeli not merely for entertainment, but as a means of expression. This is more than just a beat; it is a portrayal of society’s hidden realities, conveyed through dance. A voice for the marginalized, wrapped in sound.

Listen to “Alikiba – Ubuyu” below;

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AUDIO | Mansuli Ft Becka Title – Usinishauri (Prod. Abby MP)

Mansuli, a celebrated hip hop lyricist from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, makes a powerful return with his latest release titled “Usinishauri,” featuring the one and only talented singer Becka Title. With extensive experience in lyricism and storytelling deeply embedded in urban Tanzanian culture, Mansuli infuses the track with raw energy and a bold expression.

Usinishauri” is a smooth, mid-tempo Afro Bongo and Hip hop collaboration between Mansuli and Becka, both originating from Tanzania, offering heartfelt counsel through a melodic exchange of their vocals. The song intricately combines conversational lyrics with soothing harmonies and modern Tanzanian rhythms, exploring themes of relationships and mutual understanding.

Listen to “Mansuli Ft Becka – Usinishauri” below;

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