Every Thursday, a post will be published featuring the throwback joint of the day.
THROWBACK | Sos B – Ikibidivyo
THROWBACK |The Legendary DJ & Producer “Boniluv”
THROWBACK | Joni Woka – Domo Zege Ft. Dj Bupe
THROWBACK | G.W.M (Gangsta With Matatizo)
AUDIO | Mchizi Moxie – “Brand New” & “Chupa Nyingine” | HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025
THROWBACK | Sos B Ft. Mr Paul – For You
THROWBACK | THE HARD BLASTERS CREW
Terry Msiagi – One of the original members of Hard Blasters Crew
Big Willie – One of the original members of the Crew.
Funga Kazi 2000, 3rd and Last album cover.
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)
The Hard Blasters Crew were definitely one of the pioneering acts in Tanzanian Hip Hop, blending local styles with global influences. Their music was ahead of its time, helping to shape the local rap scene. Here’s a quick look at the songs from each albums they have ever released as a group:
- From Mambo Ya Mjini (1994):
“Matapeli” & “Cheka Nao”
Matapeli really captured the struggles and societal issues that were becoming central to Tanzanian rap, using sharp lyrics to critique deceit and dishonesty in the community while Cheka Nao which translate to “laugh with them”….Cheka nao , dunda nao , furahi nao , patana nao, hata kama hawana kitu ….Crazy One raps on the first verse.
2. From Blast Nuff (1996):
“Aje Naua”
This song showed how the group was evolving, mixing social commentary with a more polished sound, showcasing their lyrical strength even as some members had left.
3. From Funga Kazi 2000 (1999):
“Chemsha Bongo”
Professor Jay’s addition brought a fresh dynamic to the group. This track was a hit, reflecting a period of growth and innovation in Tanzanian rap with its catchy hooks and streetwise narrative.
The Hard Blasters Crew’s legacy is truly iconic in the Tanzanian music scene, helping lay the foundation for what would later become the booming Hip Hop culture in Tanzania.
Stream these audios here:
HBC – Cheka Nao (Snippet) 1994
HBC – Aje Naua (1996)
HBC – Chemsha Bongo (1999)
AUDIO | Waswahili – Kila Mtu Na Starehe Yake
This group, known as “Waswahili”, is a bongo Flava ensemble consisting of three members. They made their debut in 2002 with their first album, which featured hit singles such as “Wazo La Leo,” “Pengo,” “Yupi Bora,” and “Kila Mtu Na Starehe Yake.”
Today, we will discuss the song “Kila Mtu na Starehe Yake,” which translates to “Everyone Has Their Own Vices.” Enjoy this nostalgic track, and please remember to subscribe and share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
Download MP3:
AUDIO | BDP Kamili – Bahati Ya Mwenzio
BPD Kamili is a Tanzanian rap group consisting of three members from the Kinondoni district, representing the Kino Clan. The members are Drez Chief, Kompyutah, and Issa. I have selected these 2 tracks to highlight from their debut album, which was released in 2000. The featured single was “Rudi Mpenzi” and “Bahati ya Mwenzio,” is the song which shared the album’s title.
The group achieved considerable success in the early 2000s, releasing several albums and a number of singles that gained significant airplay on radio stations in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha. Notable tracks include “Kona Zote,” “Kumwambia,” and “Maimuna.” Additionally, Kompyutah has pursued several solo projects. Enjoy these two nostalgic tracks by streaming them below
The Cassette Cover/ Art Work of the Album:
Access the audio of this post by streaming it here:
BDP Kamili – Bahati Ya Mwenzio
THROWBACK | BDP Kamili – Rudi Mpenzi (1st Single)
DPT stands for Tha De-Plow-Matz. The group consists of Saigon (whose real name is Saleeh Mzee), Balozi Dola Soul (real name Ahmed Dola), Trip Dogg (real name Philip Mwinmanji), and Storm (real name Amour Shamte).
The inception of DPT dates back to 1992 when Saigon and Trip Dogg first met in school and began rapping for enjoyment. Over the years, several individuals have participated in DPT for varying lengths of time. Saigon encountered Dola Soul in Lagos, Nigeria, where their families were residing. As suggested by their name, the core members of DPT are the sons of Tanzanian diplomats, who provide them with substantial support.
DPT’s music features a blend of English and Swahili lyrics, with a predominance of Swahili, as English lyrics were less marketable in Tanzania back in the 90’s. In 1997, they released a cassette recorded at Master J’s studio. Master J recorded their music at no cost but receives royalties from the sales, a unique arrangement not commonly found in the traditional music industry. Here are two tracks that will transport you down memory lane. Enjoy!
Saigon and Balozi Dola Soul – two DPT members, on the photo below;
Access the audio of this post by streaming it here:
Tha De-Plow-Ma-TZ – Are U Down.
Tha De-Plow-Ma-TZ – Turuke Kwa Furaha
NGOMANAGWA 