MB Doggy – Rastaman (GetMziki Exclusive ****)
poa 
Last year (2009) around July MB Doggy’s daughter passed away from complications caused by malaria. It’s amazing when you think about how many lives have been lost from Malaria. Malaria is still a bigger problem in Africa more than AID/HIV. There are numerous movements and organizations in place to help fight malaria or educate people on how to stay protected from the Mosquitoes. A close friend was part of the “Nothing but Nets Campaign” and for years I never really thought it was impactful until one day I realized that it all has to start with trying to stay clear of the insect itself. Nothing but Nets has saved so many lives over the years along side many other celebrity endorsed initiatives.
Today as I listen to this crazy track, I cant help but reflect on MB Doggy’s loss. Losing a child is probably one of the most heart wrenching things you go through. MB Doggy has been responsible for a string of hits the biggest being Latifa, I remember when he came out I was like yo! this singing thing is going to be the next big thing in East Africa. That was like 6 years ago, now its a reality. The vocal artists tend to do better in Tanzania because their music crosses all generations. This track produced by Man-Water in Tanzania is just a feel good track – give it a listen Tanzania Bongo flava is reinventing itself yet again.
listen to Rastaman here:
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A-Dubb 2010 Dancehall Shakedown Mix (GetMziki Exclusives ***)
Disclaimer: This is continuation of the GetMziki DJ Mixes highlight session, this is the 4th of 5 DJs we wanted to show case last week. So please bare with us as we finalize the whole Mixes session.
Last weekend I drove up to Sacramento to celebrate C-Dubbs Bday (C-Dubb of Dubb DJs a.k.a Cyrille Wamunga added one more year to his soul). I love these cats so any opportunity I get to travel up to Sacramento, I am always jumping on it. I’ve lived in California for a while now to tell you that the Bay in general is one place where there doesn’t seem to be any DJ animosity and competition. DJ Mpenzi (a Kenyan) tends to do his events that cater to a very different diverse crowd, DJ Slim tends to do his events that cater to many Kenyans and Africans in the Bay, DJ Johnnie (retired) reads this blog everyday but never comments is probably one of the coolest cats I’ve known in the bay. Then you have veterans like DJ Marto who retired gracefully to pave way for people like Slim and the rest. The thing is you can find all these people in one party at any given time – Honestly Northern California (the Bay) is not like any other state i’ve been to for Kenyan entertainment.
Last year Capital FM made an offer to get my ass back on radio in Kenya, it was a very lucrative offer if I do say so myself. However I promised myself never to get back to radio unless either the company was willing to pay me like a Mil Ksh a month or if the format was to change. I definitely would never get back to radio to do the same show I did before. After Marcus & Leo I don’t think there is a product than can top that platform. Unless of course someone gave me the opportunity to host a show with the Dubb DJ’s. Truthfully and honestly I would host a show at a fraction of the price if Brian & Cyrille were in it coz these cats are the real COMEDY. These cats are not only talented behind the decks but just their sheer personalities are so vibrant its no wonder there is NEVER any drama around their environment (it’s what makes it super easy to be around them). And believe me when I say I hang out with these cats like once a month.
A-Dubb (Allen) is what I call Dubb Lite, meaning he is a lite version of C-Dubb and B-Dubb (yes they are all brothers, and yes their names all start with the acronyms they have attached to the Dubbs). But Allen is a smoothed out version of his siblings. I’ve followed Allen for a while, admired his business intelligence but mostly its his humility that has me hooked on his personality. I’ve worked with tonnes of artists and DJs by far this is probably the most humble dude ive worked with. A-Dubb who will be in Dallas this weekend is probably the most talented of the trio but I am sure the two clowns can argue this out accordingly. I however think A-Dubbs mixes dont do justice to his live club performance and capabilities. Last week I had a blast – these cats pack up a club with Africans, Asians, Zungs and Samoans. To entertain all these people under one roof requires special skills which I was surprised A-Dubb handled with ease. To be perfectly honest I think you should always strive to DJ by yourself, because you build better momentum and a better understanding of your crowd and routine that stays consistent through out the night. I find DJying with like 4 to 5 other people just disruptive and confusing. Maximum Djs per night should be limited to 2.
I know this post is long but I had to do justice coz I have never really featured A-Dubb, considering he is like one of my boys. So this is ode to his kindness and goodness – This mix is part of a CD release he has been handing out since last week. In my opinion this is still not his best work if at all. I like it because it flows. I like it because it just is a good mix. I think it could do with better imaging and better drops but from a DJ perspective and song selection to capture 2010 this mix did the job. Through hanging out with A-Dubb I’ve learned that you can scratch, you can juggle, you can mix and blend – but all these things don’t really make you a good DJ. This mix proved to me that you dont need the bells and whistles to enjoy Dancehall. All I can say as far as A-Dubb is concerned is the best is yet to come and you can bet I will be somewhere close watching. If I am involved – It will be Fiyaaaaah!!!
Tracklist :
1. True friend- Demarco
2. Holiday – Ding Dong
3 Can’t buy respect- Flippa
4. Jah never fails me – Mr. Vegas
5. Got to Survive – Serani
6. Longtime- Shaggy
7. Slow Motion – Vybz kartel
8. Go hard and Dun – Chan Dizzy
9. Drinking Rum – Future Fambo feat Beenie Man..
10. Pon Di Wall- New Kingston Band
11. I wanna be on top- Timberlee
12. Hold Yuh- Gyptian
13. Hold Yuh Remix- Gyptian feat Nikki Minaj:
14. Just you and I – Ricky Blaze/Oz Kickdrum/Dj-Adubb original mash
15. Hold Yuh Answer- Shani/Oz kickdrum
16. Di Train- Mr Vegas
17. Let my Luv go- Allison Hinds feat Shaggy
18. Shi Nuh Waah – LeftSide
19. Shi Know Fi – Vybz Kartel
20. V.I.S.A – Beenie Man
21. Come Breed me.. Vybz Kartel
22. Cleanliness- Charly Black, Chi Ching and Ding Dong.
23. How we do it – Elephant man and Bounty Killer
24. Skip to my Lou – Serani Ft Ding Dong, Razz and Biggy
25. Mi Feel a Way – Black Rhyno & Da Vinci
26. Do me Dat – Vybz Kartel/ Sheba
listed to A-Dubbs Dancehall Shakedown here:
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STREET LETHAL VIRUS – AFROBEAT : DJ Kaydee (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
In my continuation of the Mixtapes/Mixes series this is the second Mix I wanted to highlight thats a MUST HAVE. I threw a challenge at Kaydee a while back. I told Kaydee folks need something different from DJ’s today. The whole Genge/Kapuka and pop mixes has been done – there is an over saturation of so many Similar mixes floating around the internet in one form or the other. So whats going to be your differentiator? I have told the same thing to a couple of out DJs I like out there, I keep telling them its too cloudy out there you need to clear things out by being one of the few DJs who can stand out.
And for months Kaydee never really responded with what he would do. He still hasnt responded, but when he sent this I emailed him back and told him welcome/ now you are talking my language. Kay dee has been working on a frequent Web series of the STREET LETHAL Mixes (btw he is very consistent on delivering these mixes). Each week or two he sends a mix of different genre – to me everything else he sent was just okay and good until he put this together. Unfortunately I dont have the tracklist nor the artwork to this particular session but I think its a must have. It may be annoying the same music I grew up listening to and hating is the same music I am drawn to and enjoy because I get to dance to it. It may also be that the popular Urban tracks are stealing small bits and pieces of that Benga and Congolese sound here and there that its beginning to closely resemble each other. Needless to say this is a MUST HAVE – Kaydee mix.
On the flip side – Side note: There are two different, VERY Different Kay Dees. Many folks in the US know of DJ Kay Dee from Denver (old school cat – very very very humble cool dude, I love this dude sana one of my good friends). And then there is DJ Kay Dee from Kenya (KayDeethal) .. I’ve also know Kay Dee – Kenya for a long time. Kay Dee is the king of JAM SESSION at F2. He has been the long standing DJ at F2 for years and probably responsible for so many talented guys who are discovered at F2. He currently is part of TOD (Take Over DJs) and has been to the US several times before.
Either way this is fire.
listen to AFROBEAT here:
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download the mix here:
Kidum feat Lady Jay Dee – Nitafanya (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
For the longest time I thought Kidum was from Kenya, probably because he had that banger of a track with Nameless titled – Karibia. Karibia was such a huge big track, I think it was big enough that the two artists decided to collaborate on another track called Greedy.
This is another such huge collaboration featuring Tanzanians R&B sensation Lady Jay Dee. It seems as though Kidum is not necessarily strong on his own because frankly each song I have heard from his album has some other local East African big act. Needless to say he probably has the strongest voice in the region right now. Kidum is originally from Burundi but sources always tend to trace his roots to Uganda or Rwanda, as we understand he is the biggest act in Burundi but because of his close ties to Tanzania he has a better understanding of the Bongo swagger and language. To demonstrate his connections he collaborated with Hermy B of B’Hits Music Group in Tanzania and ofcourse had the duet collabo of Lady JD.
Give this track a few spins family! – enjoy! This is a BIG ZOUK-like track! this is LARGE!
listen to Nitafanya here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Kassim – Usiende Kwa Mganga
We originally posted this song on the GetMziki homepage, however over time we realised that the copy of the song we posted was not complete. Our apologize. However the track is so deep that we decided to do an actual post and sorta touch base on who Kassim is while democratizing the track.
Kassim Hemed Mganga is a Tanzanian R&B croner who originally is from Tanga but schooled and grew up in Dar es Salaam. He started singing in 2002. A few years later in 2005, he released his first song Shanaiza, but despite the heavy radio rotation the track didnt really do that well. In 2006 he released his second song, Nakuimbia, which did much better and allowed him the FAME he continues to enjoy to date. In mid 2007 he released Haiwezekani and it was official KASSIM was now a household name among the youth in Tanzania.
Update: We managed to find the right track – so the video and content have been updated.
listen to Amore here:
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download the track here:
watch the video here:
Batabazi feat Jackie (Blu 3) – Dirty Shame
BATABAZI started making music in 2007. They are based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. The name was chosen because the members wanted something to symbolize who they are as individuals. The word “Batabazi” is derived from a Luganda phrase “okutabaala” which means to wander or move from place to place. Batabazi’s roots are hip hop but are very versatile given the dynamics of the group and have recently done music in R&B, Reggae and Afro-Beats.
Batabazi has gone through some changes with some of the original members moving on to other opportunities. The group is comprised of five individuals i.e. four stage performers and a producer. They are PG (Mpagi Kironde), Jerome Black (Jerome Jjooga), Tasha (Roseann Kawesa), Gera (Gera Kiwanuka) and Mayor (Anthony Bbosa Balagadde). PG & Jerome Black are two of the founding members of the group, which started as an underground rap group. PG raps in English, Luganda and occasionally does Patwah, Jerome is a lugaflow specialist. Tasha, Gera & Mayor joined Batabazi a little later. Tasha and Gera are primarily singers and occasionally will rap. Mayor is an upcoming producer with a rich musical background in piano and traditional instruments, and in the past has had the opportunity to perform at the famous Carnegie Hall in New York. He is Batabazi’s producer.
Batabazi is yet to release an album; however in 2009 they released a mix tape that was 20 tracks deep. The mix tape included their hit tracks “Turn it Up”, “Uganda Nka” and “Binsobedde” a song they did with Chagga, a Ugandan artist. They have recently done collaborations with other Ugandan artists i.e. Peter Miles, Blu3, Ragga Dee, Vamposs, Navio and Raba Daba. “Cheater” is a hit song they did with Peter Miles. Another of their recently released songs is Dirty Shame (feat Jackie of Blu3), a song that made is making waves on Ugandan music charts. Other recently released songs are the club bangers Buuka and Tukomyewo. They have also remixed their hit anthem “Uganda Nka” that includes Ugandan artists Navio, Raba Daba and Ragga Dee.
listen to Dirty Shame here:
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JCB, Daz Naledge, Chabba feat Kaz – Tumetoka Mbali (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Amby (Abrose – Mandugu Digital) dropped this brand new heat from BONGO which features a few heavy weights not really well known but heavy in their right. I dont know much about majority of these artist mostly because they are mainly Bongo Artists from Arusha and Arusha (Tanzania) hasnt really had a lot of exposure in terms of Bongo not until about 5 years ago when NAKO2NAKO soldiers stepped on the scene. Although as Ambrose explains it JCB has been recording since 1997 when he was part of Hardcore Unit (HU).
Abrose (Mandugu Digital) has been busy in Tanzania for a while and I must say I am continuously impressed with the level of work he has brought to the table. This is definitely another banger, which was further blessed by Karen “Kaz” Lucas on the hook and the adlibs. Although I think they over did her part a little when it came to finalizing the track (we could have had less of the singing during the raps and the hooks I think it would have sounded way better). But again its not like am a sound engineer or producer so what do I know.
listen to Tumetoka Mbali here:
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dowload the track here:
DJ Goodies:
Instrumental:
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Download by hitting {Right click and save target as}
VOX:
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Track info details:
JCB, DAZ NALEDGE, and CHABBA from WATENGWA FAMILY featuring KAZ LUCAS.
Recorded at Watengwa Records, Arusha.
Produced by Daz Naledge, an up and coming New Kid in production circles. Based in Arusha.
Jaffarai feat T.I.D – Demu Wangu (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
My good long time friend and artist TID finally got engaged sometime last month. In what was termed bizzare awkward moment to me seemed like typical TID. During one of his performances, he whipped out his shorty from the back and got on one knee. Interesting. Needless to say the quality of music he seems to be involved with lately is relevant and I think appealing to his target audience.
Jaffarai is sick with the rhymes, he has been low key for a while until recently I saw him on a new video with Ambrose, Kama and a new cat called Dimes. Check it out here on NONINIMUSIC. Otherwise I think this is probably one of the years best collaborations ever. Lemar really is putting TZ Bongo flava on the map in ways I had never imagined. Although I am just not so sure with his record label name – “FISH CRAB COOKOUT” I mean really WHY? Anyway maybe they cooking crabs and fish over at his studio because honestly each track out of his kitchen is just FIRE.
Enjoy this meal served by LEMAR.
listen to demu wangu here:
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download the track here:
Maida feat Raudy – Siwezi Kuwa na Wewe (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Clemo promised to send me pictures and some little bit of info on MAIDA but honestly my fingers were getting antsy and I have fallen in love with this jam for me to ignore. Maida has an awesome voice for Kenya – or for GENGE. He delivery on this track is awesome, I love the whole joint, the swa is not really Sheng and its not really sanifu – but it just worked on this track. Luche also nailed it on the video – the props the gear and the setting. I personally hate too many graphix and effects on music videos, when you use just enough the results are normally astonishing. Like on this video its simple but the bling and glare effect was slightly over done – either way i like the song too much to worry about the video.
Clemo came through yet again on this one. I have a hunch that 2010 Clemo is about to really surprise a lot of folks out there. I mean if you are keen on instruments like I am, you will notice so many extra instruments introduced on this track. There is a flute an accordion on top of the piano harps – its just a tight track I think. I am not sure about Maida in terms of an artists and whether she has a future in the music scene in Kenya. What I do know is if this is her debut – its well delivered and it will be well served.
watch the video here:
listen to Siwezi kuwa na wewe:
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download the track here:
T.I.D (Top In Dar) feat Nazizi – Watasema (GetMziki re-mix challenge)
A few months back we had a challenge for a few DJs to create a remix/mashup off the instrumentals available on GetMziki. I since then forgot that I was to share these findings or results on GetMziki but also more importantly some DJs or producers just did pathetic jobs (pun intended). So there was no need to post anything really. However I was compelled to recognize this particular submission by a guy called Waithaka in Kenya. Truthfully it would be hard for anyone to top off Musyokas original Watasema track. I mean to date I still feel like this has to be one of Musyokas best work EVER – so for you to take these two great artists and put something better on them I dont know….
But Waithaka was up for the challenge, took it by the cojones and made this thing sound tight. I personally think this is a worthy remix. He adhered to Musyoks BPMs added his own harmonies and bass guitars that just seem to make the remix more original than the original. TID’s vocals are always on point (were)… so truthfully without TID’s vocals this track wouldnt be delivered in this way – no way.
I would also like y’all to note that I am posting this because Waithaka created these beats from scratch so it wasn’t really like a DJ Mashup it was more like his version of the remix. Waithaka who runs Waithaka Ent is an avid Musyoka fan – and essentially he picked a track that he felt was Musyokas best. With that said tell me what y’all think of Waithakas creativity..
listen to watasema remix here:
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download Waithakas remix [right click and hit save target as]
listen to the main Watasema title track here:
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listen to the original instrumental here:
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download the instrumental here [right click and hit save target as]
listen to the original accapella here:
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download the accapella here [right click and hit save target as]
Prezzo, Wyre, Abbas, Nikki, DNG, Nazizi and Canibal – Chapaa (remix) (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
Normally we would put up an image of the artist and then the feedback, but in this song because there is no logical way to put all these super stars on one image. I will post the video first and then post the track on feedback after the video…
So here goes the video:
And now back to our regular scheduled programming:
Chapaa was Abaas biggest hit I think, produced by super CRUNK producer Tshazi – it was one of those tracks that just hit it big. The lyrical delivery the content and the relevance at the time was inevitable. So when Tshazi told me he had a remix to Chapaa, I honestly was praying that it didn’t really sound so different from the original mix. True to the fact he maintained the same sample but added a few elements here and there making it sound even fresher and dopper (if there is such a word like dope anymore).
Normally a remix is about seeing which artist will kill the record more than the rest and to me this remix was best performed by Prezzo. I mean the audacity of Prezzo’s mouth and lyrics is just overwhelmingly creative. This is one cat who in my opinion doesnt have to rap about things that didnt happen. he doesnt have to rhyme about guns and crime – he just has to rhyme about how he spends money and personally I love it. In his verse he talks about how he hired the Chopper from Wilson to Carnivore (total distance of 1.5Km) he paid 60,000Ksh for that short flight. Then he further goes to talk about how he uses show money to put credit on his phone – he he he I mean really!!! Jay walahi…
listen to the title track here:
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download the track here:
And For DJ’s just for the fun of it here goes the good stuff …
download the instrumental here:
download the accapella here:
Fid Q feat J-Bryant – Danger (GetMziki Exclusive ****)
First and foremost we must apologize for going offline for a few days last week. We over exceeded our traffic capacity and as such the useless hosting company we have decided to take it upon themselves to migrate our services to a better server without really giving us ample notice and or giving us the chance to communicate with our audience.
We don’t expect this to ever happen again so – please sit tight as we consolidate all the music that needs to be pushed out.
Why don’t we start the week off with my man Fareed (Fid Q). This song just dropped last week and its off Fid Q’s upcoming title album called PROPAGANDA. This single is heavy, its sick, it feels like something off a movie soundtrack made in the US. J Bryant kills the hook with sultry echoes and really well composed vocal delivery. I don’t really have much info on J Bryant so for now we will kinda have to wait up for more information to drop.
listen to Danger here:
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download the track here:
Howee – Daddys Lil Girl
I need to do justice to this post before I post the track because on so many levels I’ve been going back and forth about how I will post thing song, air out my opinions and then ultimately let the track rip. There are several different parts to posting this track that you guys need to take into consideration.
- I know Howee very well, he was the young’n in the crew, I rolled with his talented brothers for years while I was in Kenya. So there is a general bias towards the family and towards him as an individual.
- I’ve known of his child, the situations surrounding the child, him and other personal issues that don’t need to be here. So for him to make this track I am truthfully touched because I know it’s coming from a good part of his heart.
- Lastly Howee has been buggin me about putting this track on rotation for a while mostly because he is about to break some phenomenal marketing barriers for the first time for an East African Artists online but mostly also because this track here present an opportunity that most of his other music hasn’t really in a while.
Okay back to the track – I am conflicted with Howee as an artists, and I want to say this in all honesty. I think Howee as a rapper is just okay, he is not exceptional he is an okay rapper. I think many people in Kenya won’t and can’t understand his music style and hence he has always been forced to channel his music across the borders and into other markets. And that’s okay because I think you cant get everyone feeling your music. I sat with a panel of our DJs to discuss his music and there were many conflicting outcomes.
The one thing we all however agree about is the guy is that he knows how to push his music and how to push his brand. I gotta admit I am impressed by that. So much that I hit him up a month ago and asked him why he has never considered talent marketing or artists management. The truth is Howee in my opinion is a better music entrepreneur than he is an artists and thats just the truth from where I stand (No pun intended Brov). I mean the dude understands the potential of the Internet, the entertainment business, the market, the opportunities and he goes hard on all these things.
Either way one thing I learned over time in this industry and in life is that you gotta do whats right for you first. And then when whats right for you feels right then you will get other people to support you on your journey to righteousness. Right now Howee is doing him. So its like the world is paying attention irregardless whether they like it or not. When you start looking and working for your music to go beyond the African walls you must have some big CAJUNAS/COJONES. And for that we support you Brov. To me Daddys little girl was not necessarily about the beat and the rhymes, it was more about the message and the encouragement the track gives me and other single parents out there to try and do right by their kids. To me the track signifies some level of maturity and engages a conversation in the community that most African fathers never really want to have. I know am not one to speak on this subject matter but for what its worth there are guys who have the opportunity of being good fathers today but they throw it away each day. The Mboch spends more time with the child than with the folks beats the purpose. But most of these changes start with one conversation – and I think Howee opened up the door for these conversations.
Much love and respect – I hope this journey brings out the best in you…
listen to Daddys Lil Girl here:
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download the track here:
watch the exclusive making the music videos:
Also watch the live performance of Daddys lil girl:
QQU feat Tuzo – Alive (GetMziki Exclusive ***)
image courtesy of QQU
There was no image to accompany this post so I guess we have to use our imagination for a bit. I know Mose from NIX days so I am not surprised that he is coming off with an album. Its been years for me but as I understand a lot happened over the years. He had been a judge on some Street Dancing competition, he also seems to have had a radio show on American public radio as well as a numerous number of accolades since his entertainment inception. I remember NIX dancers from back in the day if I am not wrong NIX stood for Ngoma Ibambe Xawaxawa (sawa sawa). So when I heard this track and realized that QQU (actually pronouced Kuukuu) was one of the NIX choreographers I was amazed at the growth in talent.
There is also some flare of information on the internet that puts his genre with the emerging Gospel music in Kenya. If thats the case that would put this track exactly in tune with the context of its lyrical composition. I actually like it, the beat is on point and the delivery on point. It doesnt even matter if its on auto tune – I just think it was a well prepared production both from artists and the producers.
Enjoy the goodness here.
listen to Alive here:
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download the track here:
Related video – just for nostalgia sake. This was one of their singles in 2006 (collectively as a group) called sura ya malaika. It was one of my top 5 songs that year especially because of the guitar harmonies – Dude killed it I am not sure if this was R.Kay on the beat but it was a sick production also. This was the original N.I.X ziki.
Ngwea feat Lady Jay Dee – Mapenzi Gani (GetMziki Exclusive ****)
Whenever Alvin comes through with Bongo Flava I know I need to stop what I am doing to pay attention to what he has sent through. The thing with Alvin is that he doesnt just send all these random songs, he takes keen attention to the type of sound we are keen on pushing here at GetMziki and then he makes the transition to send them through. This week our inboxes are flooded with hot new Bongo Flava. My favorite from the pack is a track by KASSIM which is on the homepage – but we will post it up here soon too.
The second heat from Tanzania has to be this banga of a collaboration between Ngwea and Lady Jay Dee. Fish Crab productions – LEMAR and crew are sick with the sound desks. What I get from this track is not only can Bongo producers sample, but they can sample and sample well. This definitely is a sample off Whitney Houston – saving all my love. I think having Jay Dee on the track was also a good plan although Lady Jay Dee needs to stick to just singing swahili – her voice is not necessarily the best, but her lyrical content has always captivated audiences. On this track she brings her tempo up to par with the expectations of the hook, there are moments though she tries to hit them notes and it just feels off. Anyway who am I to talk about how Tanzanians number one singing sensation should be.
Either way this track is fire – both artists just brought their A game on a subtle sample that is just fresh. Enjoy the goodness below.
listen to mapenzi gani here:
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download the song here:
And just for the sake of nostalgia here is the original track and video : watch the whitney video here: (Saving all my love for you)