This Thursday’s throwback group of the week highlights a notable ensemble that significantly influenced the Tanzanian music scene, particularly during the 1990s. Afro Reign, formed in June 1996, consists of Bonny Harmony (born Boniface Kalemera), Dray (born Raymond Mutagahywa), Nature P (born Sebastian Maganga, who balanced his education with hosting a show on Radio One), and Judy (born Judith Wambura, was still persuing her education), who is now recognized as “Lady Jaydee.”

Dray, whose father was a university lecturer, shares a similar educational background with his fellow members. Both Bonny and Dray credit their shift towards hip hop and rap to their enthusiasm for basketball. Dray was formerly associated with Kwanza Unit and currently resides in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he specializes in digital product and program management.

The group is known for their freestyling abilities, often choosing a theme for improvisation, followed by discussions to enhance their final output. Their debut track, “Afro Drama,” features elements of freestyling, boasting, and self-assertion. In the song “Rejuvenation,” each member delivers a verse.

Afro Reign has recorded at Master J’s studio and collaborated with P-Funk. As none of the members are instrumentalists, they have utilized session musicians for specific recordings, while most of their instrumental backgrounds are sampled from existing rap tracks, in line with traditional rap practices. Their most memorable song, “Saa za Kazi,” features Hashim Rubanza, also known as “Hashim Dogo,” who is fondly referred to as Mwendawazimu anayependa fedha taslimu.

Here are several Audio snippets from Afro Reign:

1. Saa za Kazi featuring Hashim Dogo

2. Rejuvenation

3. Nina Choma (Afro Reign begins with a traditional melody)