Tag: Saigon

AUDIO | 30 Kilinge – 30 Ya Bongo Flava Ft Saigon, Salmin Swagg, Songa, Odong, Konkod, Mansu-Li & Black Queen

30 Kilinge has unveiled “30 Ya Bongo Flava,” a significant Conscious Hip-Hop/Bongo Flava cypher that features artists such as Saigon, Salmin Swagg, Songa, Odong, Konkod, Mansu-Li, and Black Queen.

Officially launched on July 24, 2026, this track is based on an instrumental by DRSH/Fid Q and serves as a tribute to thirty years of Bongo Flava. The project was largely influenced by Fid Q, who played a crucial role in developing the concept and offering a platform for esteemed lyricists to reconnect with the origins of Tanzanian hip-hop.

The term “Kilinge” denotes a traditional rap cypher circle, which aligns perfectly with the song’s emphasis on authentic bars, storytelling, and lyrical prowess. Each artist delivers a unique verse that contemplates the culture, history, and progression of Bongo Flava.

From a musical perspective, the track embodies the poetic and impactful essence of Tanzania’s 1990s hip-hop scene, prior to the evolution of Bongo Flava into more commercial genres. It also resonates with the Miaka 30 ya Bongo Flava festivities that took place at Mlimani City in Dar es Salaam.

Watch Video by “30 Kilinge – 30 Ya Bongo Flava Ft Saigon, Salmin Swagg, Songa, Odong, Konkod, Mansu-Li & Black Queen” below;

DOWNLOAD MP3:

Throwback Thursday | Saigon (of De-Plow-Ma-Tz) – Take A Ride.

It is yet another Thursday, and we are delighted to present this week’s Throwback Thursday feature. Today, we will explore two initial singles from the group that had a profound impact on the youth in Tanzania.

DPT stands for “De-Plow-Ma-Tz.” The group is comprised of “Saigon Treach” (Saleeh Mzee), “Balozi Dola Soul” (Ahmed Dola), “Trip Dogg” (Philip Mwimanzi), “Stiggo” (Stiggo Mwamba), and “Storm” (Amour Shamte). Furthermore, the DPT family includes manager and organizer Ngwessa.

The inception of DPT traces back to 1992 when Saigon, Stiggo, and Trip Dogg met at Tambaza Secondary School and began rapping for fun. Over the years, various individuals have joined DPT for different durations. Saigon met Dola Soul in Lagos, Nigeria, where their families lived. As indicated by the name, the core members of DPT are sons of Tanzanian diplomats, who have provided them with substantial support.

Today, we will concentrate on their first single, which was not featured on their debut album, “Tha De-Plow-Ma-Tz.” The track, titled “Word is Born,” was recorded at Soundcrafter Temeke Studios in 1996 and served as the group’s introduction, showcasing members who were mainly students at Tambaza Secondary School. The second single, “Turuke Kwa Furaha,” was included in the album.

Today, we will highlight the solo performance by Saigon on their first album. This song was immensely popular among the youth in the 90s, particularly for those residing in Dar-es-Salaam. The song frequently aired on Radio One Stereo. This track is titled “Take A Ride.” This Joint was recorded at MJ Records under the Production of Master J.

Listen to two verses from Saigon of (De-Plow-Ma-Tz) with “Take a Ride” below;

THROWBACK | THA DE-PLOW-MA-TZ

It is another Thursday, and we are pleased to present this week’s Throwback Thursday feature. Today, we will discuss two initial singles from the group that significantly influenced the youth in Tanzania.

DPT stands for “De-Plow-Ma-Tz.” The ensemble consists of “Saigon Treach” ( Saleeh Mzee), “Balozi Dola Soul” (Ahmed Dola), “Trip Dogg” ( Philip Mwimanzi), “Stiggo” (Stiggo Mwamba), and “Storm” ( Amour Shamte). Additionally, the DPT family includes manager and organizer Ngwessa.

The origins of DPT date back to 1992 when Saigon, Stiggo, and Trip Dogg met at Tambaza Secondary School and began rapping for enjoyment. Over the years, various individuals have joined DPT for varying lengths of time. Saigon encountered Dola Soul in Lagos, Nigeria, where their families resided. As suggested by the name, the core members of DPT are sons of Tanzanian diplomats, who have provided them with considerable support.

Today, we will focus on their first single, which did not appear on their debut album, “Tha De-Plow-Ma-Tz.” The track, titled “Word is Born,” was recorded at Soundcrafter Temeke Studios (1996) and served as the group’s introduction, featuring members who were primarily students at Tambaza Secondary School. The second single, “Turuke Kwa Furaha,” was included in the album.

Please listen to these two songs below.

Tha De-Plow-Ma-Tz – Word Is Born (Snippet)

Tha De-Plow-Ma-Tz – Turuke Kwa Furaha.

N.B: Special Thanks to Jumanne Thomas and Balozi Dola Soul for the audio clips and artwork/photos.

AUDIO | Saigon Ft. Conboi – Usiku na Mchana

Tanzanian hip hop icon Saleh Mzee, widely recognized as Saigon, has unveiled a new track entitled “Usiku na Mchana.” This song represents a blend of both classic and contemporary elements within the genre. Saigon collaborates with the emerging talent Conboi, infusing the piece with Bongo Flava influences while showcasing Saigon’s distinctive rapping abilities and lyrical ingenuity.

The title “Usiku na Mchana,” which translates to “Night and Day” in Swahili, suggests a narrative rich in curiosity, yearning, or a search for understanding. Featuring engaging hooks, lively rhythms, and a relatable storyline, the track resonates with a diverse audience. Conboi contributes his youthful flair with a unique rapping style.

You can listen to “Saigon Ft. Conboi – Usiku na Mchana” below.

Download MP3: