Music and Performing Arts
AY, Tanzania
Representing the initials of his names Ambwene Yessayah…A.Y.began his musical career at the tender age of ten. A.Y’s first big success was in 2001 when A.Y. recorded his first solo album ‘Raha Kamili’ The first single off the album ‘Raha Tu’(Pure Joy) was a huge success and topped the charts, intro-ducing A.Y. into the Tanzanian music scene. Hugely successful and popular, 6 Awards and 14 hit number one hits later, A.Y. is undoubtedly now one of Tanzania’s – and East Africa’s best musical talents on the scene
Body, Mind & Soul, Malawi
Body Mind & Soul is a 6 piece band from Mzuzu (Northern Malawi) led by Davie Luhanga, commonly known as ‘Street Rat’. The band started out as ‘Souls of the Ghetto’ playing reggae music, like many local bands; they won several local awards such as the Kuche Kuche Music Award and participated in festivals such as the Lake of Stars and Hippy Festival. In 2005 the band felt a stronger connection pulling them towards their Malawian roots. They reflected on the importance of sharing their ancient culture in a modern time and after much thought and experimentation created a new musical concept that they are calling ‘voodjaz’. It is a subtle mix of traditional rhythms with a jazzy feel; creating a bridge between past and present Malawian cultures. Their first international recognition came in May 2007, when they won the Music Crossroads Southern Africa InterRegional Festival in Harare (Zimbabwe).
Dully Sykes, Tanzania
Also known as Mr Misifa or Mr Chicks, Dully Sykes is a dancehall artist in Tanzania. He has performed in the UK . Following the footsteps of his father Ebby Sykes, a "Manu Dibango-type musician", Dully Sykes is one of the pioneers of Swahili dancehall in East Africa and widely known for dropping hits like 'Julieta', 'Salome', 'Historia ya Kweli', 'Leah'. At the 2004 Tanzania Music Awards his album Handsome was nominated in the best Hip Hop Album category. His song "Dhahabu" featuring Joslin and Mr. Blue was nominated in the best collaboration category at the 2007 Tanzania Music Awards. At the 2008 Tanzania Music Awards his song "Baby Candy" received a nomination in the Best Reggae/Ragga Song category.
Kori Arts, UK
KORI ARTS was formed in 2002 in North London. A not for profi t social enterprise focused on youth development, that delivers a diverse programme of arts, supplementary education, environmental studies and sport that advances the skills and experience of young people to standards that bring real enrichment to their lives. The children and young people share their inspiring exhibitions and performances widely, and gain a true sense of being useful and purposeful citizens. They also gain many opportunities for self – development through training, teaching, mentoring, travelling and work experience.
Mseto, Tanzania/Germany
MSETO is a Trio with vast experience in African beat and Afro Blues. Formed in December 2008, MSETO is a Swahili word which means a mixture of different things. MSETO brings forth an Inter-cultural communication between different people with different cultural backgrounds. The group is composed of John Francis Gamburo-Mwanza Tanzania, Emmanuely Kalimili-Dar es salaam Tanzania, and Silk Mocker-German.
Wind Hund, Austria/Zanzibar
Meet the Windhund artists Anne Bennent, Melissa Coleman, Otto Lechner and Karl Ritter from Vienna / Austria, who are highly acclaimed across Europe and internationally. Their special brand is freely improvised music and the inter-linkage of music and poetry. Listen to another kind of story-telling with a contemporary feel. The Windhund concept means unbound exploration and exciting experiments. They are tracking and creating new sound-worlds across borders and continents – like their recent encounter and engagement with Zumari horn music from Zanzibar.
Spec Boogie, USA
With his streetwise demeanor, penchant for fedoras, and ferocious loyalty to Brooklyn, Spec Boogie happily falls into the category of an “old soul” – but his music is anything but dated. In fact, the guy is a trendsetter. Thanks to his nimble delivery, knack for wordplay (“I want to bring a brickhouse to my brownstone,” he raps), and ear for experimentation, the New York City product has been instrumental in cultivating the music, fashion and attitude embraced by the newest generation of Hip-Hop artists.
And also:
Wise, South Africa
Kyaso-DCMA, Zanzibar
Kwetulobo, Tanzania
Talent Factory, Tanzania
Baby J, Zanzibar
Black Roots, Zanzibar