Tag: Kwanza Unit

Throwback Thursday | Kwanza Unit – Itapobidi.

Kwanza Unit, commonly referred to as KU, means “First Unit” and was formed in 1993 through the merger of several groups, including the Villain Gangsters, led by the famous rapper Rhymson (also known as Ramadhan A. Mponjika), Riders Posse, Tribe X, and various solo artists.

The founding members of Kwanza Unit consist of Rhymson, KBC (Kiba Cha Singo), D-Rob (Robert Mwingira), Eazy-B (Bernard Luanda), Fresh-G (Godfrey Koshuma), and Y-Tang, among others. Furthermore, there is a wider network of associated individuals known as the Kwanza Unit Foundation or Kwanzanians.

The group’s first album, titled Kwanza Unit, was released in 1994, followed by their second album, Tropical Techniques, in 1996. Their third album, Kwanzanians, was released in 1999, available in both tape and CD formats. The single “Msafiri,” which is part of the third album, Kwanzanians, received significant attention.

Today, our throwback post will highlight the song “Itapobidi,” which features verses from all five members who recorded the first album in 1994. I am sharing a snippet of approximately 2 minutes so you can experience 90’s hip hop music in Tanzania. Enjoy this rare gem recorded at Mawingu Studios, Mwenge Dar-es-salaam, under the production of the legendary DJ and Producer Boniphace Kilosa, also known as DJ Boniluv.

Listen to “Kwanza Unit – Itapobidi (Snippet)” below;

Throwback Thursday | Kwanza Unit – Zipi?

It is yet another Thursday, and it is time to reflect on a moment from approximately 28 years ago, featuring one of the pioneering groups in Tanzania, KWANZA UNIT, with their song ZIPI?(Diduda). This track was part of their album TROPICAL TEKNIQS, which was released in 1997 and recorded at Sound Crafters Studios located in Temeke. Today, I would like to emphasize two verses from two members of the group: Y Thang (who is wearing a black T-shirt in the photo) and Godfrey Koshuma, also known as “Fresh G” (who is wearing a Kwanza Unit T-shirt-Photo above) from this collaboration.

Enjoy this rare gem 💎 from the KU Crew, and do not forget to visit my social media page Instagram, Facebook, Thread, X, Twitch, Tiktok, Reverbnation and Bluesky for additional information and posts about both old and new music. Stay blessed, and thank you for your continued support.

Listen to “Kwanza Unit – Zipi?” below;

THROWBACK: The Legendary DJ & Producer “Boniluv”

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)

THROWBACK | KWANZA UNIT

Kwanza Unit, abbreviated as KU, translates to “First Unit” and was established in 1993 through the amalgamation of various groups, including the Villain Gangsters led by the renowned rapper Rhymson (also known as Ramadhan A. Mponjika), Riders Posse, Tribe X, along with several solo artists.

The founding members of Kwanza Unit include Rhymson, KBC (Kiba Cha Singo), D-Rob (Robert Mwingira), Eazy-B (Bernard Luanda), Emmam Abbas (Abbas Maunda), Fresh-G (Godfrey Koshuma), and Y-Tang, among others. Additionally, there exists a broader network of affiliated individuals known as the Kwanza Unit Foundation or Kwanzanians.

Kwanza Unit attained international recognition, performing on two occasions in Nairobi, Kenya, and receiving an invitation to Nigeria in 1998, which they were unable to accept due to unforeseen circumstances.

The group’s debut album, self-titled Kwanza Unit, was released in 1994, followed by their second album, Tropical Techniques, 1996. Their third album, Kwanzanians, was launched in 1999, available in both tape and CD formats. The single “Msafiri,” featured on the third album, Kwanzanians, gained notable attention.

Although Kwanza Unit has since disbanded, several former members continue to pursue solo music careers. The new generation emerging from the Kwanza Unit lineage includes artists such as One the Incredible and Khalid Kumbuka.

Notable members of Kwanza Unit included:

  • Chief Rhymson (Ramadhan A. Mponjika)
  • KBC (Kiba Cha Singo)
  • D-Rob (Robert Mwingira) – deceased in 2002
  • Eazy-B (Bernard Luanda)
  • Bugzy Malone (Esrom Margat)
  • Papa Sav (Makanga Lugoe)
  • Abbas Maunda
  • Baraka
  • Ndoti Mwingira
  • Fresh-G
  • Y-Thang
  • Gaddy Groove
  • Adili Kumbuka – deceased in 1994

Explore a selection of samples from the three albums they released below;.

1.Kwanza Unit LP

Kwanza Unit – Amani (Snippet)

Kwanza Unit – Wataka Huku (Snippet)

2.Tropical Tekniqs LP

Kwanza Unit – Nata

Kwanza Unit – Dedication (To the late Adili) (Snippet)

3. Kwanzanians LP

Kwanza Unit – Msafiri (Snippet)

Kwanza Unit – Run Tings Remix (Snippet)