#bongoflava

Interview: Jumbe This interview mainly discussed Mr. TZ's (Jumbe Hamza) background, musical journey, and perspectives on Bongo Flava music. Mr. TZ began by sharing his diverse cultural background, being born in the US with Tanzanian roots. He credited his father and Tanzanian functions for sparking his interest in music and audio production. Mr. TZ described Bongo Flava as the flavor of Bongo, a melting pot of various musical influences, including Tanzanian traditional sounds, Zouk, and others. He discussed his musical career progression from rapping to incorporating African beats and mixing languages. Mr. TZ also explained the origin of his name and his company, 255 Nation, emphasizing his focus on supporting other artists. He identified his musical inspirations, and his target audience by expanding to build a foundation back home in Tanzania. The interview further explored his methods of promoting, marketing, and distributing his music, balancing social media strategies with traditional approaches. Mr. TZ shared his views on the Tanzanian music industry and expressed his belief that Bongo Flava could have the same impact as other African music genres if it sticks to its unique identity.

This interview mainly discussed the definition, history, and current state of Bongo Flava music in Tanzania. Dola defined Bongo Flava as originating from hip-hop, representing the innovative spirit of Tanzanians making something from nothing, while noting its current state encompassing various genres. The conversation explored the roots of Bongo Flava and the influence of both Nigerian and American hip-hop artists. Dola highlighted the initial struggle for recognition against West African and Western music and the subsequent commercialization and monopoly by radio stations which affected the diversity and authenticity of Tanzanian music. The discussion also covered the challenges faced by hip-hop artists in Tanzania today, the importance of unity and collaboration, and the need for artists to promote Tanzanian culture. Dola emphasized the significance of events like Bongo Flavor Honors in recognizing artists' contributions to Bongo Flava. Dola also expressed his views on when artists should transition out of music, the importance of supporting emerging talent, and his personal target audience: the marginalized and those seeking opportunity.

Mex Cortez discussed career as a bilingual rapper in Tanzania. Mex introduced himself as a hip-hop artist who raps in both Swahili and English, representing Tanzania (255). He shared that he started making music in 2011 but began professionally in 2016. Mex was inspired by both American and Tanzanian artists like Eminem and One The Incredible, who inspired Mex to transition from rapping in English to rapping in Swahili. The conversation explored Bongo Flava, which Mex described as a fusion between hip-hop and old-school afro music that represents Tanzania's sound. He expressed concern that the genre is increasingly adopting Nigerian and South African influences rather than developing their original sound which can cause a dying genre. He talked about his experiences touring in Tanzania and how these tours helped him build connections with other creatives. He also discussed his approach to creating music videos, where he visualizes the video while writing the song. Mex noted that success often depends on connections in addition to talent and how social media has created new opportunities for artists. 

The meeting included an in-depth interview with AY , a well-known Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist who has spent 25 years in the music industry. In his discussion, AY reflected on his journey from creating music groups in school to launching his solo career in 2001. He talked about how Bongo Flava has developed as a cultural movement, highlighting its distinct sound and identity. The artist provided insights into how the music industry has evolved, particularly noting the shift from promoting music through physical CDs to leveraging digital platforms. He stressed the significance of investing in music production and urged Tanzanian artists to preserve their unique sound while competing on an international stage. The conversation also addressed various challenges that the industry faces, such as the need for greater media support, increased artist visibility, and improved investment strategies. AY underscored the vital role of discipline in achieving success and shared his vision for the future of Bongo Flava, calling for enhanced support for emerging artists and greater investment in the sector.

This interview mainly discussed the career journey of Taji Lundi, a director of ceremonies and radio manager, and his influence on the development of Bongo Flava music in Tanzania. Taji recounted how he entered radio after college and his efforts to promote local urban music, facing resistance but pushing forward to represent the streets on the airwaves. He detailed the origins of Bongo Flava, explaining its evolution from young Tanzanians rapping over foreign beats to a distinct genre with Swahili lyrics, influenced by artists like Saleh Jabri and Mr.2 (Sugu). The discussion covered the challenges of gaining acceptance for Bongo Flava, the importance of radio in promoting the music, and the shift from physical cassette sales to social media streaming. Taji also shared his views on the current state of the Tanzanian music industry, highlighting the need for artists to maintain individuality and the potential for Bongo Flavor to reach a global audience, while also addressing issues such as gatekeeping and the lack of a strong musical base. He emphasized the importance of Tanzanians supporting their own music industry and the role of media personalities in positively influencing society. Finally, Taji expressed his belief in Bongo Flava as a savior of Tanzanian youth and his hope for its future, advocating for a deeper exploration of local tribal music to forge a unique Tanzanian sound.

This interview mainly discussed the musical career of Sugu (formerly Mr. Two or Two Proud), a pioneer of Bongo Flava music in Tanzania. Sugu shared his journey starting in the early 1990s, explaining how he began his musical career organizing his first concert in 1992. He described the challenges of early music production in Tanzania, including limited studio access and financial constraints. Sugu defined Bongo Flava as a Tanzanian urban music genre that blends different international styles like rap, zouk, and dancehall performed in Swahili. He discussed his international touring experiences in Europe and America, with a memorable show in Houston, Texas in 2006. The interview covered his transition from music to politics, serving as a member of parliament for 10 years (2010-2020), which he described as breaking barriers for artists entering politics. Sugu also detailed his current project, "Bongo Flava Honors," a monthly concert series honoring legendary Tanzanian musicians. He emphasized the importance of preserving musical history and giving recognition to pioneers who built the foundation of Tanzanian music. Throughout the interview, Sugu reflected on the business aspects of the music industry, the challenges of establishing fair payment for artists, and his role in transforming music from a hobby into a viable career path in Tanzania.