Tag: East African Music

Throwback Thursday | Underground Souls – Battlefield

This Thursday, http://www.ngomanagwa.com is presenting a unique track to celebrate this week’s Throwback Thursday, featuring the Dar-es-Salaam group known as “Underground Souls” with their impactful song titled “Battlefield“.

The group consisted of three members who each delivered powerful verses on this track. These members were Abbas Maunda “Emmam Abbas”, the late Steven Mdoe, also recognized as DJ Steve B, and Baraka Kongwa.

Released in 1997, this song made a significant impact on the airwaves of Radio One Stereo. The lyrics were entirely in English, encompassing all three verses along with the hook. These three artists ensured that all MCs active in the 90s were put on notice.

Enjoy this exceptional track below and remember to follow me on all my social media platforms. This is a snippet of this song (2 verses)

Throwback Thursday | Mchizi Moxie Ft Mangwair – Demu Wangu (Original Version)

It is a brand new Thursday, and in keeping with our tradition, we present this week’s Throwback Thursday track. Today, we will shine a spotlight on a song by a member of the group (Wateule), born Taikuni Ally, who is also known by his stage name as “Mchizi Moxie“. This track features the late Albert Mangweha, affectionately known as “Mangwair“, and is titled Demu Wangu.

This excerpt is from the original version; the remix was the one that was released as a single upon its debut in 2004. As the artist Mchizi Moxie himself has pointed out, many people are unfamiliar with the original version.

This single was recorded at MJ Records, produced by Joackim Kimaryo, who is also recognized as Master J.

Enjoy this rare version of the song, and please remember to follow me on all my social media platforms.

Listen to Mchizi Moxie Ft Mangwair – Demu Wangu (Snippet) below;

Throwback Thursday | NIGGUZ II PUBLIC – Lazima Ukubali.

Another Thursday has come, offering a chance to contemplate a remarkable group from Kurasini, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. NIGGUZ II PUBLIC (N2P) was a distinguished hip-hop group that attained considerable success in the 1990s.

The ensemble consisted of three members: K Bass, G Buffa, and Diz Nigga. Their popular track “Fikiri Chini” made a significant impression on Radio One Stereo in 1996.

Today, we will concentrate on their song “Lazima Ukubali,” which translates to “You will have to recognize,” essentially conveying that one must accept the long-term goals they aspire to achieve.

The song “Lazima Ukubali” was recorded and produced at DON BOSCO STUDIO by Producer Marlone Linje.

Enjoy this track from N2P below;

Throwback Thursday | Prof Jay Dropping a Verse in Twin Cities (Minnesota 2010)

It is another Thursday, and as you are aware, it is time to present this week’s Throwback Thursday joint. Today, we will concentrate on the heavyweight MC himself, “Professor Jay.”

This video clip was filmed in Minnesota in 2010. Can anyone identify the song from which the verse that he is rapping originates? The first individual to provide the correct answer to this trivia question will receive an mp3 of the song.

Enjoy this rare moment featuring Joseph Haule, also known as Prof Jay, delivering a verse while entertaining and spending time with fellow Tanzanians and family residing in the Twin Cities.

Watch the Video Clip of Prof Jay Below;

Audio | Fathermoh Ft Mejja – Laana

Kenyan street-pop sensation Fathermoh collaborates with the legendary hitmaker Mejja on the track “Laana,” a gritty yet catchy partnership that fuses raw storytelling with an unmistakable street flavor.

Both artists are celebrated for their unapologetic honesty, and this song sees them fully embracing themes that mirror everyday realities and relationships. In “Laana,” Fathermoh showcases his signature melodic flow, addressing love, frustration, and emotional repercussions, while Mejja contributes with his experienced delivery, infusing humor and street wisdom that longtime fans readily identify.

The production is minimal yet effective, propelled by rhythmic percussion and a steady groove that maintains the emphasis on the lyrics and their message. The song flourishes due to its relatability, employing everyday language and scenarios to create a narrative that resonates with many listeners. It serves as a reminder of why both artists continue to be relevant—by remaining authentic, grounded, and true to the streets that have influenced their sound.

Listen to “Fathermoh Ft Mejja – Laana” below;

Download MP3:

Audio | Iyanii – Mali Safi

Mali Safi is a heartwarming love anthem that was released in late January 2026 by the Kenyan artist Iyanii (Ian Oure). This song serves as the fifth single from his eagerly awaited upcoming album and showcases his characteristic combination of smooth vocals and poignant storytelling.

Dedicated to his beloved, Mali Safi is a personal tribute to love, beauty, and commitment. Iyanii’s lyrics depict his partner as an angelic figure, celebrating her elegance and the happiness she brings into his life. With its uplifting tune and romantic theme, the track encapsulates the essence of genuine, steadfast love—making it a remarkable release and an ideal soundtrack for anyone experiencing love.

Listen to “Iyanii – Mali Safi” below;

Download MP3:

Audio | Nikki Mbishi Ft Azma, Black fire, ConBoi, Shaulin, Songa, P Mawenge, Kayvokforce, Nala Mzalendo, Jos Mtambo & Jcb – Tukusa 3 III

The hip hop scene in Tanzania is experiencing a resurgence with the debut of a new rap track titled “Tukusa 3 III,” a significant collaboration that unites some of the most prominent figures in conscious and underground rap.

“Tukusa 3 III” transcends the typical rap song — it serves as a powerful statement. Remaining faithful to the essence of authentic hip hop, the artists employ incisive lyricism, impactful bars, and profound storytelling to confront social issues, hardships, truths, and the sentiments of the streets.

Listen to “Nikki Mbishi Ft Azma, Black fire, ConBoi, Shaulin, Songa, P Mawenge, Kayvokforce, Nala Mzalendo, Jos Mtambo & Jcb – Tukusa 3 III” below;

Download MP3:

Audio | Tunda Man – Naoa

Tunda Man is a Bongo Flava artist from Tanzania, born in Dar es Salaam. He embarked on his musical journey in the mid-2000s and quickly gained fame due to his distinctive voice and catchy tracks. Throughout his career, he has worked with prominent Tanzanian artists, producing hits that have solidified his status in the Tanzanian music scene.

The track “Naoa” is a wedding-themed Bongo Flava song by Tunda Man, a renowned artist hailing from Tanzania. This song features uplifting melodies and lyrics that honor love and marriage, highlighting the cultural significance of weddings within Tanzanian society. It demonstrates Tunda Man’s talent for crafting music that resonates with daily life and celebratory events.

To complement the audio, Tunda Man has released the official music video for “Naoa,” which presents a romantic narrative focused on commitment, marriage, and the responsibilities that come with love. The video embodies maturity and the bravery required to select a lifelong partner.

In the “Naoa (Video),” Tunda Man offers captivating visuals, high-quality cinematography, and contemporary editing that enhance the song’s themes. The video is appealing to fans of romantic narratives, music centered on commitment, and modern Bongo Flava aesthetics.


Watch to “Tunda Man – Naoa” video below;

Listen to “Tunda Man – Naoa” below;

Download MP3:

THROWBACK | Mabaga Fresh – Tupo Kamili

It is yet another Thursday, and today our “Throwback Thursday” feature spotlights the group “Mabaga Fresh,” also known as “Chombo Cha Dola.” This hip-hop duo comprises two individuals with disabilities, Jumanne Omary, commonly known as “JB,” and Chritoms Mwingira, referred to as “DJ Snox,” both originating from Temeke, Dar-es-Salaam.

During the 1990s, this rap group made notable contributions to the Tanzanian “new generation music scene.” They played a crucial role in introducing one of the most prominent and esteemed bongo flava artists, Juma Kassim Kiroboto, also known as “Juma Nature,” with their hit song “Mtulize,” produced by the legendary DJ Boni Luv.

Today, we will concentrate on their song from their debut album titled “Tupo Kamili.” This track is one of those that fans adored, and every time they performed it live, the audience went wild.

Watch the live performance of “Mabaga Fresh – Tupo Kamili” on the day of their album launch.

Throwback Thursday: Hashim Dogo – I Smoke Emceez

It is another Thursday, and this one is particularly significant. It marks the first Thursday of the year 2026. Given this occasion, our selection for the Throwback Joint of the week is Triple OG Hashim Rubanza, also known as Hashim Dogo, featuring a track he recorded in 1998 at Bongo Records under the guidance of P Funk Majani.

The song is titled “I Smoke Emceez.” In this piece, the title itself is quite revealing. Hashim begins the track with the phrase, “And here is Little Some Local,” while cleverly mimicking Bob Marley’s hook from “I Shot the Sheriff,” slightly altering it to align with his concept for this joint.

This song consists of four verses; however, today I will only present the first two verses along with the chorus. This is one of the rare and exceptional tracks he has ever produced. For more tracks like this, please visit my social media at Instagram, facebook, reverbnation, tiktok, X, youtube etc @ngomanagwa.

N.B. Special thanks to J4 for sharing this audio.

Listen to the Snippet of “I smoke Emceez” by Hashim Dogo below;