Mambo Jambo
Mambo Jambo are not satisfied with being just another Tanzanian Hip Hop band, AND IT SHOWS. Their music hits you with an inspired blend of hip-hop, rap and African beats. Sounding traditional and 21st century all at once, their style is wide-ranging, fresh and tight. Mambo Jambo has snagged worldwide attention since their first big hit, Hip Hop Mdundiko in 2001, and the buzz is only getting stronger as they release their self-titled new album with Art In Tanzania studios.
Mambo Jambo entertain you with dance songs and love songs, but they also use their music to deliver messages of non-violence and HIV awareness. As Producer and Frontman Benjamin says, "When we write, we like to observe life around us; telling stories from the real world and everyday living.” They believe in using the power of music to influence listeners in a positive way.
Born in Tanga, Tanzania, Benjamin Sixtus Busungu was inspired by music at a young age. He fondly recalls listening to a variety of LP records in his family’s home: trumpeter Jim Reeves, Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin and Mama Miriam Makeba, to name a few. His early hip-hop influences include KRS-1 and LL Cool J. Benjamin moved to Dar es Salaam in 1994 and one year later, sought out the only studio in town to record his first song. Kifo was a raw, powerful tribute to memorable musicians whom passed away. Radio station support of local music was rare at that time, so this industrious youth would bring his tapes to concerts and talk his way on stage to perform his own rap. But things would change…
In 1999, Benjamin teamed up with Uwesu Mzee, a.k.a. G Stebel, and Kibwana Nguzo, a.k.a. Chuck B, to form MAMBO JAMBO. They chose FM Studio to record their first album, and there began their long-standing relationship with acclaimed Finnish Producer Miikka Mwamba Kari - the foremost pioneer of Bongo Flava recordings. Mambo Jambo’s first single, Hip Hop Mdundiko, topped the charts in 2001, and was followed up by a unique version of the traditional love song, Rebeca. Their hit-making continued in 2002 with an elaborate adaptation of Jambo as a high-tempo house song and ode to their homeland of Tanzania.
Their 2004 debut album, Hip Hop Mdundiko, produced a string of 5 additional hits: Shemeji, Mambo Yangono, Penzi la Kifahari, Sugarmommy and Ekitobero, featuring Saida Caroli
Ekitobero was a sensation, winning the 2004 Kilimanjaro Music Awards for Best Folk Song and Song of the Year, and earning Benjamin the award for Best Male Artist.
In the tour that followed, Mambo Jambo’s live performances took East Africa by storm, creating a loyal fan base throughout the region. Their 2005 tour included stops in Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana, Malawi, Msumbiji, Borundi, South Africa, Congo and Reunion Islands.
On Mambo Jambo, the band’s 2008 self-titled release, it is evident how Benjamin and company have found their own voices within the band. New baby-faced bandmate Miichael Kimbali, a.k.a. Only Face, provides energetic vocals and harmonies. G. Stebel’s soulful lead vocals stand-out on tracks like Nakupenda. Their individual talents have combined to create a fine mix of songs, dance tracks effortlessly weaving into lyrical melodies. The boys are back and ready to rock, as told in the album’s energized first single, 2merudi tena (We’re Back!). Driving beats, melodic vocals and a traditional undertone give depth to their latest song, Nakupenda. This new album also features an appearance by Cuban Pop Idol, Erick Jon.
Mambo Jambo is a sumptuous blend of hypnotic vocals, infectious grooves and meaningful lyrics. There is an inherent truth to their music, and sense of optimism. Says Benjamin, ”Maybe with our music, people can see the world in our eyes.”
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Art In Tanzania Studios
While focusing on Mambo Jambo, Benjamin also started his own production studio with the help of Art In Tanzania, a Finnish-Tanzanian NGO. His credits include upcoming releases by Dudubaya, Zemkala and his own group. Increasingly, Benjamin devotes his time and talent to aspiring Tanzanian musicians, developing beats and helping them find their own unique sound. He takes pride in helping young artists express themselves through music and speak out about important issues facing today’s youth. The Art in Tanzania Music Program, as it is now known, will continue to grow and develop Tanzania’s next generation of musical stars!
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