Tag: Tuff Jam

Throwback Thursday | Hard Blasters Crew – Cheka Nao

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Tuff Jam

It is yet another Thursday, and as per our tradition, we are set to present the joint of the week. Today, our attention will be directed towards a group originating from Upanga, Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania, known as Hard Blasters Crew.

This ensemble, Hard Blaster Crew, released a track titled “Cheka Nao” in 1994, featured on their album Mambo Ya Mjini. In this LP there were songs like “Mabishoo“, “Matapeli“, “Ni Hard Blasters” and many more. “Cheka Nao” was crafted by the renowned DJ and producer Boniluv at Mawingu Studios.

Here, we present a verse from the one and only member of the group, recognized for his Chopper Style of Rapping (Tongue Twist), akin to MR Chip FU from the group Fu-schnickens. His name is Gabriel Kilunga , also known as Tuff Jam.

Special thanks to Jumanne Thomas for the audio.

Enjoy this rare gem below ⬇️ and don’t forget to follow us on our social media pages on every platforms 💎 🔥🔥💥💥💯💯💯

Cheka Nao (Snippet)

Throwback | Hard Blasters Crew

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Throwback Joints of the Day

Terry Msiagi – a Hard Blaster

Big Willy – a member of Hard Blasters Crew
Cassette Cover “Funga Kazi 2000”

It’s Thursday again, and today we’re celebrating the 90’s Tanzanian Hip Hop group, The Hard Blasters Crew. The group originally had five members: Terry Msiagi (Luna T aka Fanani), William Shundi (Big Willie aka Crazy One), Ngida Raphael (KC1), Gabriel Kilunga (Tuff Jam), and Frank Korassa (Trigger F).

In 1994, they participated in the Yo Rap Bonanza Competition and came in second place. This success led them to release their first album, “Mambo Ya Mjini,” which featured popular songs like “Matapeli,” “Cheka nao,” “Mabishoo,” and “Ni Hard Blasters.” The album was a hit, prompting them to work on a second one in 1996. However, during the production, three members left the group to focus on school or pursue opportunities abroad, while others took over family businesses. Despite the challenges, they completed the album titled “Blast Nuff,” which included tracks like “Aje Naua,” “Kwenye Rap,” and “Blast Nuff.”

Their final album came after they added Joseph Haule, also known as Professor Jay, who was previously called Nigga J. This album, “Funga Kazi 2000,” featured popular songs such as “Chemsha Bongo,” “Mamsap,” and “Chuzi Limekubali.” To celebrate this throwback, I’m sharing one song from each album. Enjoy!

Stream these 3 tracks here:

HBC – Cheka Nao (Snippet) (1994)
HBC – Aje Naua (1996)
HBC – Chemsha Bongo (1999)