Tag: Zomba

Throwback Thursday | Kilimanjaro Natural Spring Water Ad – D Rob & Chef Rhymson

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From left to right: Jumanne Thomas, D Rob & Chef Rhymson.

It is yet another Thursday, and as you are aware, it is time for this week’s Throwback Joint. Today, we will discuss two members of the Kwanza Unit group who were pioneers in commercializing business for the water company “Kilimanjaro Natural Spring Water.” The artists in question are the late Robert Mwingira, who passed away in 2002 and was also known as D Rob or Zomba, and Zavara Mponjika, recognized as Chef Rhymson.

This advertisement was created while they were working on their Kwanzanian album in 1999. This album featured tracks such as “Run Tingz,” “Msafiri,” “Acha,” “Nakuja,” and “Beyond Belief,” among others.

This commercial advertisement opened doors for other emerging artists to create advertisements for various products, thereby enhancing their income. It demonstrated that even contemporary artists could engage in advertising and were not the hooligans that many parents feared, who believed their youth were heading down the wrong path.

“Radio One Stereo,” which catered to the new generation of youth in the 90s, along with “Clouds FM,” frequently aired this advertisement while playing youth-oriented music during that period.

Enjoy the advertisement below, and feel free to follow me on all my social media accounts @ngomanagwa.

NB: Special Thanks goes to Jumanne Thomas on the picture above with Rhymson & D Rob for the photo and this advertisement.

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;