Tag: TZ Hip Hop

Throwback Thursday | Hard Blasters – Time For Action Feat. Killa B

· Leave a comment ·

Today is Thursday, and we are once again celebrating the legendary 90’s Tanzanian Hip Hop Music from The Hard Blasters Crew. Our spotlight today is on their third and final album, released in 1999 after being recorded at MJ Records. This achievement was made possible by the inclusion of Joseph Haule, known as Professor Jay, who was previously called Nigga J. The album, titled “Funga Kazi 2000,” features popular tracks like “Chemsha Bongo,” “Mamsap,” and “Chuzi Limekubali.” The entire production of the album was handled by Ludigo Bishota.

The track highlighted today is “Time For Action,” which is also part of this LP and features contributions from Killa B born Badi Sangu of “Imeditation Kingdom” (2nd Photo below). He is the guy who introduced Nigga Jay to Hard Blasters Crew . In this collaboration, they emphasize the necessity for action without excuses. Terry Msiagi, also known as Fanani (Photo below), performed the first verse on this track. This is the sole track on the LP that was recorded in English.

Joseph Haule, widely recognized by his stage name Professor Jay, is a Tanzanian hip hop recording artist, politician, and former member of the Tanzanian parliament representing the Mikumi constituency. He stands as a significant figure in the “Bongo Flava” Tanzanian hip hop subgenre, which blends elements of Western hip hop with Tanzanian traditions, incorporating Swahili lyrics and an activist stance on pressing social issues in Tanzania, such as “UKIMWI” translate to HIV/AIDS, wealth disparity, and political corruption.

While the rain may be halted, the honor of Prof Jay in Bongo Flava cannot be diminished. On May 1, 2026, the Bongo Flava Honors will finally realize Jay’s long-awaited induction ceremony. History will be made at 710 Garden, Kawe, with Sugu The Jongwe commemorating the event.

Listen to “Hard Blasters Crew – Time for Action (Prof Jay & Killa B Verses) below;

AUDIO | Mex Cortez – MEEHX Freestyle WYFLRiddim

· Leave a comment ·

A hip hop artist from Tanzania, “Mex Cortez” has released a new freestyle titled “MEEHX Freestyle,” furthering his presence in the Bongo Hip Hop scene with a dynamic and vigorous performance.

The track debuted on April 24, 2026, as part of the #WYFLRiddim (Who You Feel Like) series. The production is managed by DJ Mac and Crashdummy, providing a robust hip hop foundation that enables Mex to highlight his lyrical prowess.

Mex Cortez, commonly referred to as “The Barbender,” is celebrated for his impactful punchlines and distinctive multilingual approach, seamlessly integrating English, Swahili, and Sinhala into his flow. He has been generating a consistent buzz within the Tanzanian hip hop community, particularly among enthusiasts who value authentic bars and freestyle artistry.

In “MEEHX Freestyle,” he embraces confidence and lyrical supremacy, delivering verses that are competitive, assertive, and aimed at establishing his position in the rap industry. This freestyle exemplifies skill, clever wordplay, and a commanding presence.

Watch Video by “Mex Cortez – MEEHX Freestyle” below;

DOWNLOAD MP3:

Throwback Thursday | G.K – 97

· Leave a comment ·

Thursday has once again arrived, offering a chance to revisit some timeless melodies. Today, we honor Gwamaka Kihaula, commonly known as King Crazy GK or GK, with an outstanding track titled “97.” This song was produced by DJ Boniluv in 1997 at Mawingu Studios located in Mwenge, Dar-es-salaam.

This piece was recorded following G.K’s successful duet track “Upanga East Coast/West Coast” featuring Carola Kinasha. I would like to express my gratitude to Jumanne Thomas (J4) for discovering this treasure from his collection and sharing it with me.

Be sure to check out all my social media @ngomanagwa where I have more music and stories like this. Come through and vibe with me. Happy Thursday Y’all.

Listen to 2 mins of the Song by “G.K -97” below;

AUDIO | Chidi Beenz – Mchaka Mchaka

· Leave a comment ·

Renowned Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist Chidi Beenz, popularly referred to as “King wa Ilala” and “Chuma,” presents a powerful track entitled “Mchaka Mchaka,” which showcases his authentic street style and lyrical prowess within the Tanzanian hip-hop landscape.

Furthermore, the song is frequently linked with collaborations that include artists such as Chiku K and Stick Rhymez, which infuse additional energy and lyrical interaction into the piece. Built upon a robust Bongo Flava/hip-hop base, the track encapsulates the quintessential sound that characterized Tanzania’s rap movement during its emergence.

In addition, Chidi Benz is acknowledged as one of the trailblazers of Tanzanian hip-hop celebrated for his forceful delivery, genuine street credibility, and significant impact on the evolution of the nation’s rap culture. His music continues to resonate with audiences who value authentic, unfiltered hip-hop narratives.

The track exudes a potent street essence, focusing on themes of confidence, ambition, and dominance within the rap industry. It embodies a competitive spirit, where lyrical talent, stage presence, and resilience are the hallmarks of success, rendering it a powerful anthem for self-expression and street authenticity.

Watch Video by “Chidi Beenz – Mchaka Mchaka” below;

DOWNLOAD MP3:

AUDIO | FreshlikeUhhh – Kileleni

· Leave a comment ·

Tanzanian rapper FreshlikeUhhh presents a striking and impactful hip-hop track titled “Kileleni,” which was released in April 2026. The title translates to “At the Top,” symbolizing his assertive position and supremacy within the evolving New Bongo Flava genre.

“Kileleni” is crafted as a dynamic freestyle, filled with incisive lyricism, clever wordplay, and unabashed confidence. In this track, FreshlikeUhhh asserts himself as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), making it abundantly clear that he perceives no rivals.

The song also features a robust critique of the industry, as he cleverly targets fellow rappers with witty metaphors and subtle jabs that call out weak lyrics, inauthentic personas, and a lack of genuineness in the scene. His delivery merges street energy with intellect, rendering the message both engaging and powerful.

Beyond the bravado, “Kileleni” underscores his resilience and journey, alluding to his involvement in Tema Yai Nation and how he has propelled the movement forward with unwavering determination and consistency. The track emphasizes his refusal to be eclipsed, highlighting both personal achievements and artistic development.

As a co-founder of Bar es Salaam and a prominent figure in Tema Yai Nation, FreshlikeUhhh persistently challenges limits, inspiring a new wave of bilingual and trilingual artists in Tanzania.

Watch Video by “FreshlikeUhhh – Kileleni” below;

Listen to “FreshlikeUhhh – Kileleni” below;

DOWNLOAD MP3:

AUDIO | G Nako – Sawa Ft Lord Eyez, Nikki Mbishi, P Mawenge & Songa

· Leave a comment ·

Tanzanian hip-hop artists G Nako, Lord Eyez, Nikki Mbishi, P Mawenge, and Songa unite for a compelling collaboration titled “Sawa.” This track features some of the most esteemed lyricists within the Bongo hip-hop scene.

“Sawa” serves as a hardcore rap anthem that highlights lyrical intricacy, clever wordplay, and the essence of authentic hip-hop culture. The collaboration merges the Northern influences of G Nako and Lord Eyez from the group “Weusi” with the precise, technical delivery of Nikki Mbishi, P Mawenge, and Songa, resulting in a track that resonates with true rap enthusiasts.

Renowned for their dedication to conscious music and impactful lyrical content, the artists present a performance rich in bars, punchlines, and cultural representation, embodying the spirit of Tanzanian hip-hop.

This track exemplifies the ongoing collaboration among elite lyricists who emphasize skill, storytelling, and traditional rap components, establishing “Sawa” as a remarkable release for genre aficionados.

Listen to “G Nako – Sawa Ft Lord Eyez, Nikki Mbishi, P Mawenge & Songa” below;

Download MP3:

AUDIO | Fredrick Mulla Ft. Mex Cortez – King Kong.

· Leave a comment ·

Tanzanian hip-hop titans Fredrick Mulla and Mex Cortez, under the banner of Colossal Music, present a powerful rap anthem entitled “King Kong,” which was released in April 2026. This track distinguishes itself as a striking demonstration of lyrical prowess and authority within the East African rap landscape.

“King Kong” is a lyric-heavy hip-hop composition that showcases the sharp wordplay, self-assurance, and competitive spirit of both artists. The title itself represents their formidable presence and towering influence in the rap industry, establishing them as significant figures to be acknowledged.

With an intense delivery and punchline-focused verses, Fredrick Mulla infuses his signature storytelling and astute lyricism, while Mex Cortez enhances the track with his technical flow and authenticity rooted in street culture.

The song embodies a celebration of unadulterated rap talent, confidence, and lyrical dominance, rendering it essential listening for enthusiasts of hardcore hip-hop.

Watch Music Video “Fredrick Mulla Ft. Mex Cortez – King Kong” below;

Download MP3:

AUDIO | Climax BiBo – Talaka 1

· Leave a comment ·

Tanzanian rapper Climax BiBo makes a significant comeback with a new single titled “Talaka 1,” which was officially released on April 10, 2026, under Money Tall Presents. This track signifies a remarkable return for the artist following a period of reduced activity in the music industry.

Climax BiBo is highly regarded in the Bongo Hip Hop community for his profound lyrics and storytelling prowess. He is known for addressing real-life issues through his music, and he continues to embody the essence of traditional Tanzanian hip hop with his authentic delivery and thought-provoking themes. With “Talaka 1,” he reminds his audience of his distinctive style, igniting discussions that “Hip Hop is back.”

The title “Talaka 1,” which translates to “first divorce” or “first notice of separation,” establishes the mood for a narrative-focused track that delves into relationship challenges. The song examines themes of conflict, emotional turmoil, and the harsh truths of love disintegrating, conveyed through incisive lyrics and a gritty hip hop sound that resonates with listeners.

Listen to, “Climax BiBo – Talaka 1” below;

Download MP3;

AUDIO | Ringle Beatz & Mex Cortez – Kufa Kupona

· Leave a comment ·

The track ‘Kufa Kupona’ by Ringle Beatz and Mex Cortez explores the difficulties and obstacles encountered within the music industry, represented through metaphors such as ‘sniper‘ and ‘bible‘.

The lyrics highlight the artist’s commitment to their art, confronting criticism and rivalry while remaining faithful to their passion and skills, ultimately striving for achievement and acknowledgment in a highly competitive landscape.

Producer/Rapper “Ringle Beatz” collaborates with the Barbender “Mex Cortez” to deliver some intense verses on this track. Regarding Mex Cortez, every rap enthusiast in Tanzania and across Africa recognizes his exceptional talent on the microphone.

Listen to “Ringle Beatz & Mex Cortez – Kufa Kupona” below;

Download MP3;

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

· Leave a comment ·

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;