Tag: Kwanza Unit Foundation

Throwback Thursday | Kwanza Unit – Nata

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This Thursday presents an opportune moment to commemorate a significant recording from approximately 28 years prior, showcasing Kwanza Unit, one of Tanzania’s most influential pioneering musical ensembles, and their composition titled “Nata”. This composition was included in their album Tropical Tekniqs, which was released in 1996 and produced at Sound Crafters Studios in Temeke district, Dar-es-salaam.

Kwanza Unit, abbreviated as KU, translates to “First Unit” and was established in 1993 through the consolidation of multiple musical groups, including the Villain Gangsters, directed by the renowned rapper Rhymson (also identified as Ramadhan A. Mponjika), Riders Posse, Tribe X, and numerous independent artists.

The principal members of Kwanza Unit include Rhymson, KBC (Kiba Cha Singo), D-Rob (Robert Mwingira), Eazy-B (Bernard Luanda), Fresh-G (Godfrey Koshuma), and Y-Tang, in addition to others. Additionally, an extensive collective of affiliated participants comprises the Kwanza Unit Foundation, commonly referred to as Kwanzanians.

The ensemble’s inaugural album, designated Kwanza Unit, was released in 1994, succeeded by their second album, Tropical Tekniqs, in 1996. Their third album, Kwanzanians, was released in 1999, offered in both cassette and compact disc formats. The single “Msafiri,” featured on the third album, Kwanzanians, garnered considerable recognition.

On this occasion, I wish to highlight two verses performed by two ensemble members: the late D Rob, also known as Zomba, and “Fresh G“. This composition represents one of the most exceptional and cherished recordings among Kwanza Unit’s devoted audience.

I encourage you to appreciate these exceptional recordings from the KU Crew, and I invite you to visit my social media platforms—Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, Twitch, TikTok, Reverbnation, and Bluesky—for supplementary information and content regarding both contemporary and classic music. Remain blessed, and I extend my gratitude for your unwavering patronage.

Listen to “Kwanza Unit – Nata?” below;

Throwback Thursday | Bugsy Malone Ft D Rob – Utaona

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D Rob and Bugsy 1998 MJ Rec

It is Thursday, marking a significant occasion. Today, we honor a member of the Kwanza Unit foundation, known as Bugsy Malone born Esrom Margai, for his track “Utaona,” which was one of the few songs that heralded their arrival in the Tanzanian music scene in 1999.

In this masterpiece, Bugsy collaborated with a fellow member of Kwanza Unit, who was also his close friend, Robert Mwingira, known as D Rob, and sometimes referred to as Zomba.

All verses were performed by Bugsy in English. The hook of this joint was delivered in Swahili by D Rob, and it goes as follows:

“Kama hujui unakotoka, hujui unakokwenda
Fikiri kabla ya Kutenda. Fanya Unachopenda Iliandikwa haikusemwa.
Fanya mapema sasa nasema, vitabu vilishachomwa, Sitorudia tena, kama unajua we utaona,…”

Bugsy Malone

This song received considerable airtime on the radio during that period. It introduced Bugsy to rap music enthusiasts who were previously unaware of him. He relocated to the USA the same year the song was released and continues to reside there to this day. Unfortunately, D Rob passed away in 2002. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Furthermore, a special acknowledgment goes to Jumanne Thomas for sharing the audio clip of this song. #bongo90s #drob #bugsymalone #utaona #bongothrowbacks🎼🎼🎼🔥🔥🔥💯💯

Enjoy this rare gem below, and do not forget to follow me on all my social media accounts @ngomanagwa.

Listen to “Bugsy Malone Ft D Rob – Utaona” Snippet below;