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Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr collaborates with chart-topping rap queen Latto on an enthralling new track titled “Show Me,” showcasing a flawless blend of confidence, melody, and captivating star power.
The song flows effortlessly over smooth instrumentals, infectious rhythms, and refined production, creating a lively atmosphere that invites repeated listens.
While Latto infuses her signature swagger and commanding presence, Ayra Starr enhances the track with her silky vocals and undeniable charisma, making their chemistry impossible to miss.
Fans of cross-genre collaborations and uplifting music will find much to appreciate in this release. The catchy hook, refreshing vibe, and memorable performances render it a remarkable addition to playlists, road trips, and weekend listening sessions.
Indeed, it is once again Thursday, and as you are already aware, it is time for this week’s Throwback Joint. Our focus will be on a member of a rap and hip hop group from Tanzania who achieved significant success in the 1990s. This artist is known by the stage name Balozi Dola Soul, also referred to as (Balozi Wenu) “Dolasoul“
Balozi Dola Soul, born “Ahmed Dola,” began his career while he was a student in Nigeria. He was raised in a family that prioritized education, viewing it as the key to a better life. Initially, rapping was merely a fun activity and not perceived as a potential career. After completing his studies in the UK, Balozi returned to Tanzania and pursued a career as a hip hop artist.
Upon his return to Tanzania, Balozi became a member of the rap group Tha De-Plow-Ma-TZ, which included other members who were sons of Tanzanian diplomats. DPT stands for Tha De-Plow-MaTZ. Alongside Balozi Dola, the group featured Saigon Treach, born “Saleeh Mzee,” Trip Dogg, whose real name is “Philip Mwimanzi,” and Storm, known as “Amour Shamte.” The group released their debut self-titled LP in 1997 and was recognized as the best rap group in Tanzania in 1999.
The Throwback Joint from Balozi marks his initial solo project outside of the group. The song, titled “Nani Na Nani,” poses the question to fans and the masses, “Nani na nani yupo kwenye fani hii, nauliza nani na nani?,Essentially asking, “Who’s running the rap scene?” The song gained popularity on radio stations such as Radio One Stereo, CTN Radio, and Radio Free Africa, among others. It was released in 1999.
Balozi released his solo LP in 2002, titled Ubalozini. The album featured a variety of hits, including “Kwenye Chati,” “Dini na Dunia Ft Afande Sele,” and “Homa ya Jiji Ft Immam Abbas, Mac D & Inspectah Haroun.”
One of the most conscious and dope lyricist “Guilty Simpson“, Tanzanian hip hop pioneer Nikki Mbishi, and Kenyan rap veteran Kaa La Moto collaborate on “Tukusa 3IX,” a gritty boom-bap track produced by Black Ninjah.
This song is released under Dapstrem Entertainment and is part of the ongoing Tukusa series, a project celebrated for its heavy drums, sharp lyrics, and authentic hip hop energy. This installment bridges East African rap culture with Detroit hip hop through the involvement of Guilty Simpson, while Nikki Mbishi and Kaa La Moto contribute significant regional lyrical strength.
Nikki Mbishi is regarded as one of Tanzania’s prominent hip hop figures, recognized for his clever wordplay and socially conscious rap. Kaa La Moto has also established a formidable reputation in Kenyan hip hop, while Guilty Simpson is acknowledged globally for his underground rap heritage and powerful lyrical style.
“Tukusa 3IX” centers on lyrical supremacy, resilience, and the preservation of authentic hip hop. The track resonates with fans who appreciate bars, meaningful messages, and raw boom-bap production in an ever-evolving music landscape.
Listen to, “Guilty Simpson – Tukusa 3IX Ft Nikki Mbishi & Kaa La Moto” below;
Khaligraph Jones, a heavyweight in Kenyan rap, presents a compelling new project titled The Book Of Jones: 1st Chapter, which emphasizes his lyrical adaptability and global appeal. This album fuses Hip-Hop with elements of AfroBeat, serving as a bold affirmation of his esteemed position in African rap. Featuring collaborations with leading artists from across the continent, Khaligraph offers a vibrant, energetic sound that transcends geographical boundaries.
Born Brian Ouko Omollo in Kayole, Nairobi, Khaligraph Jones is recognized as one of the most impactful hip-hop artists in Kenya. Named after the late politician Dr. Robert Ouko, his journey from underground rap battles to widespread acclaim exemplifies resilience and innate talent. His distinctive flow, powerful lyrics, and socially conscious themes have garnered him a loyal following throughout East Africa and beyond.
The title of the album, The Book of Jones, implies both a personal story and a broader reflection on the rapper’s life experiences and the societal issues surrounding him. In recent years, Khaligraph Jones has emerged as a voice for the youth, tackling topics such as social injustices, economic hardships, and the daily challenges faced in urban Kenya. His music often contemplates his ascent to fame, the obstacles he has encountered, and his aspirations, making his work resonate with many listeners.
STREAM/LISTEN TO “THE BOOK OF JONES” ALBUM VIA AUDIOMACK
Tanzanian rap sensation Songa has released his newest single, “Sincity,” a fresh anthem that showcases his lyrical prowess and genuine artistry. Renowned for his unfiltered storytelling and impactful verses, Songa persistently expands the horizons of Tanzanian hip-hop, and “Sincity” exemplifies this commitment.
The track “Sincity” can now be found on all prominent streaming platforms, including Boomplay, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Fans are invited to stream, share, and incorporate this compelling song into their playlists.
G.W.M stands for Gangstas With Matatizo also Known as Mazimwi, with the term “matatizo” being Swahili for problems. Attempting to embody the persona of a U.S.-style gangsta rapper in Dar es Salaam certainly presents its challenges. Nevertheless, G.W.M remained committed to reality rap, exclusively in Swahili, addressing the everyday struggles faced in the streets of Bongo, a colloquial name for the city of Dar-es-salaam that implies the necessity of intelligence for survival, as “bongo” translates to smart or clever in Swahili.
We compose our own lyrics and tackle societal issues. It is crucial to express perspectives that diverge from the official government narrative, as stated by K.R, one third member of the group.
The group consists of three members: D CHIEF (real name Robert E. Makala) EASY DOPE (real name Richard Makala), the elder brother of D Chief K.R. Mullah (real name Rashid Ziada)
The Makala brothers began their rapping journey in 1993 while still in secondary school. Their father, Edward Makala, was a distinguished authority on traditional music in Tanzania. K.R. joined the duo in 1995, the same year they triumphed in a talent competition organized by Don Bosco, a studio owner in Dar. This victory provided them with the opportunity to record several songs with the support of a well-known group, which gained considerable popularity.
In 1997, G.W.M performed at couple of paid events, a commendable achievement for a rap group in Dar. Their primary audience consists of secondary school, college, and university students, a demographic shared by many other rap groups in the area.
Furthermore, GWM secured a contract with Mawingu Studios and started to record their full-length cassette. Their track “Yamenikuta” became a hit in November 1997, addressing the issues they observe in the streets of Dar that trouble them. This song features Tanzanian rap pioneer Joseph Mbilinyi, also known as Sugu or Mr II. “Yamenikuta” translates to “It bothers me.” They later on released they album titled ” Mikosi”
GWM has also released popular tracks such as “Cheza Mbali na Kasheshe,” “Haya Twende,” “Kipe Kitu,” “Mguu nje mguu ndani” featuring Balozi Dola Soul, and “Watapatapa,” among others.
Enjoy these three excerpts from GWM’s classic songs;
G.W.M – Haya Twende (Snippet);
G.W.M – Kipe Kitu (Snippet);
G.W.M Ft. Mr II – Yamenikuta (Full Track);
Special Thanks to Jumanne Thomas of http://www.africanhiphop.com for sharing some of the Audio Clips for this Post.
Explore my nostalgic mix that I recorded and released in May 2019. It features an array of hits embodying the 2K Throwback Hip Hop vibe. Enjoy this exceptional mix, which has a duration of approximately 30 minutes.
Recently, it has come to our attention that two iconic figures in the music industry, LL Cool J and Eminem, have collaborated on their latest track, Murdergram Deux.
This new release serves as a sequel to LL’s original Murdergram, which was featured on the classic album “Mama Said Knock You Out,” released in 1990. Murdergram Deux emerged from a deep-seated passion for music and exceptional lyricism. LL Cool J discovered the beat and remarked, “Eminem would excel on this!” Subsequently, he reached out to Marshall and shared the beat with him.
Before long, both artists found themselves in Dr. Dre’s studio, recording the track, which has since been accompanied by a music video that is currently available on YouTube. Notably, Eminem pays homage to Big Daddy Kane within the video.
Snoop Dogg’s twentieth studio album, titled “Missionary,” is set to be released midnight December 13, 2024 under the labels Death Row Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. The album’s production is overseen by the renowned Dr. Dre.
Promoted as a sequel to Snoop’s iconic 1993 debut album “Doggystyle,” “Missionary” represents the first comprehensive collaboration between Dre and Snoop since the release of “Doggystyle.”
The announcement was made via a promotional video shared on social media, featuring two Mormon missionaries who arrive at a stranger’s door, only to be greeted by a woman dressed in lingerie, who exclaims, “What the heck? Your advertisement claimed you were committed to missionary work.” This new project showcases the enduring partnership between Snoop Dogg and the legendary producer Dr. Dre, with whom he has collaborated for 30 years. Enjoy!
Missionary – A Short Film Ft. Snoop Dogg & Dr Dre
Please check out Snoop Dogg & Dr Dre – Missionary Tracklist below;
Bando, a hip-hop recording artist hailing from Tanzania, has unveiled a new track titled “Mwanangu,” featuring Maby. In this song, he reflects on the responsibilities and efforts of fathers in caring for their children.
NGOMANAGWA 