HIKI NDICHO KILICHO ANDIKWA KATIKA KURASA ZA WATENGWA:
Jcb and Umbwa have been foundational in the formation and growth of Watengwa. After Umbwa finished computer studies at Aptech Institute, he suggested they open a music studio in Kijenge ya Juu, creating an accessible and local space for Arusha artists. Up until this point, most artists needed to travel to Dar –es salaam, in order to record their music. When the studio was opened (circa 2000) the group barely scraped together needed recording equipment. Armed with an unreliable microphone, a shoddy keyboard and pirated musical software for their single computer they not only produced music but provided a platform that had empowering effects on Arusha artists and youth.
Watengwa lyrics are rooted in real life experiences, with particular attention to the worldview of Afrikans and the global flows that inform their lives. Watengwa considers themselves a revolutionary army in the fight for positive ways of confronting and surviving street life. While their music is deeply embedded in Afrikan perspectives and realities, they have been influences by western Hip-hop legends such as MC Hammer, Kool Moe Dee, Busy Bee, Public Enemy, Snoop, Dr. Dre, NWA, Warren G, Salt n Pepa, Heavy D, Wu-tang, Notorious B.I.G, Onyx, Lost boys, Guru, and Immortal Technique.
“Mi sio nyani” resonated with people because of its strong message about the hegemony of Western ideas. The song deconstructs theories of evolution that argue Afrikans evolved from monkeys. Western theories of history are taught and accepted in many Afrikan schools, but have the potential to perpetuate the damaging notions that Afrikans are primitive. While the song does not oppose the whole evolutionary theory, in questioning its assumptions it raises awareness and encourages critical thinking. Essentially it calls for increased respect and dignity, so that Africans can be regarded as powerful and contributing human beings. It promotes engagement with a different history, one that acknowledges that Africans had the first democracies, and were the first prophets, mathematicians and scientists. In this song, Watengwa addresses serious and deep-seeded internalized racism and devaluing that many Afrikans confront growing up in an inequitable world. One of the many detrimental effects on communities and youth is that they come to view themselves as incapable and lacking instead of visionaries and change agents in the cradle of civilization.
Watengwa continues its mission in educating the masses through hip-hop, and raising awareness on issues like drug abuse, empowering women, school corporal punishment, the importance of self determination, and Afrikan identity. More recent albums include Pigo Takatifu (The wholly Battle), Jicho la Tatu (Third eye), Nakala za Makalla (Copies of Makalla), and The Future. The forthcoming album is Full ile Laana Volume II currently in its final production stages in France.
Started music in 1996 with Rober Baro, calling ourselves Boot Camp. Dony joined us in 1998. We had no studio at that time so we recorded a couple songs with Dj Muddy at Crystal Club. But these were just straight recording, no editing or anything!! In 2000 a friend of mine (JCB) who had his own crew, and was thriving in the industry, introduced me to his friend who's a big producer in Tz, P funk. I was like, ‘Seriously?’.
So we planned and took a trip to Dar and met P.Funk in the studio. He had a recording appointment at the time while working, J told P Funk that I'm a good lyricist. P asked me- You sure you can spit?, I said yes... He quickly made a beat and told me go to the booth… I recorded Nawaza, and P immediately said ‘I'm gonna do an album for you guys together’. J said ‘Ok, from now, we are called Watengwa’.
Watengwa is a revolutionary hiphop
group of musicians based in the slums of Kijenge ya juu Arusha Tanzania East
Afrika. The group was established back in 1990’s by 11 members, but the group
spread into many neighborhoods of Arusha. The original members of Watengwa
include, Jcb, Umbwa Mzee a.k.a Chindo, Alwatan Kwele, Chacalito (Chaca), Yuzzo,
Donii .a.k.a Don pronke, Chabba, D’wee, Bung’aa, Comz, Lau, Ghetto Queen,
TypeY, and Chaba. Since its inception the group has grown and evolved;
the gifted artists and friends of Watengwa are too many to name.
Before Watengwa came into existence
many members had their own music groups, for instance; Umbwa Mzee, Donii and
Rober performed together as Bootcamp, while Jcb a.k.a Degree, Lord Eyes and Spark’s
group was known as Hardcore Unit. Chaca came from Aangserian, Yuzzo from Kikosi
cha Mizinga, Chaba from ATF (Arusha town finest) and Kwele hailed from Dop
Squad. When Hardcore Unit split up Spark went on and formed KCK while Lord Eyes
started Nako2Nako. JCB initiated Watengwa, and the rest connected through
various channels to build the Watengwa family and ideology.
Jcb and Umbwa have been foundational in the formation and growth of Watengwa. After Umbwa finished computer studies at Aptech Institute, he suggested they open a music studio in Kijenge ya Juu, creating an accessible and local space for Arusha artists. Up until this point, most artists needed to travel to Dar –es salaam, in order to record their music. When the studio was opened (circa 2000) the group barely scraped together needed recording equipment. Armed with an unreliable microphone, a shoddy keyboard and pirated musical software for their single computer they not only produced music but provided a platform that had empowering effects on Arusha artists and youth.
Watengwa lyrics are rooted in real life experiences, with particular attention to the worldview of Afrikans and the global flows that inform their lives. Watengwa considers themselves a revolutionary army in the fight for positive ways of confronting and surviving street life. While their music is deeply embedded in Afrikan perspectives and realities, they have been influences by western Hip-hop legends such as MC Hammer, Kool Moe Dee, Busy Bee, Public Enemy, Snoop, Dr. Dre, NWA, Warren G, Salt n Pepa, Heavy D, Wu-tang, Notorious B.I.G, Onyx, Lost boys, Guru, and Immortal Technique.
Watengwa Albums and Mix tapes.
Watengwa’s first album was launched
on December 6, 2002, entitled Iliandikwa (It was written). The album was self
produced and financed in Kijenge ya juu studio, and sold by Watengwa members in
the streets. As their songs gained popularity, they received limited
radio play; restricted by imbalances of power existing in the music industry.
They were denied adequate airtime from radio djays and presenters who demanded
bribes, or coerced them to commercialize their style. They were pressured to
follow trends in lyrics and beats that prioritized entertainment and club life
over education and advocacy. Watengwa refused to engage in bribery and did not
waver in their message or sound. The album sales occurred largely in the
slums of Kijenge ya juu and around Tanzania supported by those with similar
values and commitments to the voices and struggles of the masses.
The second album, Full ile Laana
(more than you desire) was released in 2006. The album was launched to a packed
audience in Triple A complex. Produced by Omega 5 (Saidi Muya) and Umbwa Mzee,
it was an instant hit in Arusha city. Watengwa made the intentional choice to
self-distribute their work as a way to maintain ownership and protect profits
for its members. In Full ile Laana, some of the most popular songs are
“You can go ahead” and “Mi sio nyani”.
“Mi sio nyani” resonated with people because of its strong message about the hegemony of Western ideas. The song deconstructs theories of evolution that argue Afrikans evolved from monkeys. Western theories of history are taught and accepted in many Afrikan schools, but have the potential to perpetuate the damaging notions that Afrikans are primitive. While the song does not oppose the whole evolutionary theory, in questioning its assumptions it raises awareness and encourages critical thinking. Essentially it calls for increased respect and dignity, so that Africans can be regarded as powerful and contributing human beings. It promotes engagement with a different history, one that acknowledges that Africans had the first democracies, and were the first prophets, mathematicians and scientists. In this song, Watengwa addresses serious and deep-seeded internalized racism and devaluing that many Afrikans confront growing up in an inequitable world. One of the many detrimental effects on communities and youth is that they come to view themselves as incapable and lacking instead of visionaries and change agents in the cradle of civilization.
Watengwa continues its mission in educating the masses through hip-hop, and raising awareness on issues like drug abuse, empowering women, school corporal punishment, the importance of self determination, and Afrikan identity. More recent albums include Pigo Takatifu (The wholly Battle), Jicho la Tatu (Third eye), Nakala za Makalla (Copies of Makalla), and The Future. The forthcoming album is Full ile Laana Volume II currently in its final production stages in France.
Watengwa Collaborations.
Watengwa has featured and worked
together with diverse and conscious musical artists such as , Mukupa,
X-plastaz, Abbas Kubbaf of K- South, Hashim Dogo of Kikosi cha Mizinga, Nash
Mc, Nakaaya, Ukoo Flani Mau Mau, Mc Black, Warriors from the East, Mama C, M1
of dead prez, Fid Q, Jay mo of Wateule, Zavara Mponjika Kwanza Unit, T.G.P,
Majani of Bongo Records, Nako2Nako, KCK, Simon Kvamm of Nephew group from
Denmark and various artist in France.
Real Name: Lomayani Jonas Lotuno A.k.a: Umbwa Mzee a.k.a Chindo
Started music in 1996 with Rober Baro, calling ourselves Boot Camp. Dony joined us in 1998. We had no studio at that time so we recorded a couple songs with Dj Muddy at Crystal Club. But these were just straight recording, no editing or anything!! In 2000 a friend of mine (JCB) who had his own crew, and was thriving in the industry, introduced me to his friend who's a big producer in Tz, P funk. I was like, ‘Seriously?’.
So we planned and took a trip to Dar and met P.Funk in the studio. He had a recording appointment at the time while working, J told P Funk that I'm a good lyricist. P asked me- You sure you can spit?, I said yes... He quickly made a beat and told me go to the booth… I recorded Nawaza, and P immediately said ‘I'm gonna do an album for you guys together’. J said ‘Ok, from now, we are called Watengwa’.
Real Name: Jacob Makalla
A.k.a: Jcb a.k.a Degree a.k.a
Jesus Comes Black.
Jacob makalla aka jcb, I started
music game back in 90's, but actively involved in the game in 1996,
with my first group that went by the name of Hardcore Unity. Hardcore Unity was
made by members like Spack Dogy, Lord eyes and Mastiff. In 2000 I moved
to Kijenge Juu and established Watengwa with Chindoman a.ka Umbwa Mzee,
where i have stayed until now.
Me and Watengwa have done four album
and three mix tapes so far. In 2010 I released a solo album , that was
entitled Nakala za Makalla Volume I. In 2011 I received two music awards
from Tanzania music awards. In 2012 Watengwa visited Paris in france and
managed to put togethe one album that goes by the name Full ile laana
Volume II.
Real Name: Francis Thomas
A.k.a:
Chaba
Representing 009, Ungalimited
Arusha, Francis Thomas is the name his parents gave him, he was born on
15th,april 1983 in Mt Meru hospital Arusha, raised by a DJ father and a tailor
mother.
Raised in a musical family, he grew
up listening to Cool and The Gang a lot and as a kid he danced Michael
Jackson songs. In late 90’s he got interested in Hip Hop culture listening rap
songs from 2pac and The Notorious B.I.G. At the age 14 he begun learning
how to write lyrics.
In 2000 he met Jcb who helped him a
lot, in finding good rap music tapes and cds to listen to, because Jcb has been
around the game longer than him. This played a very crucial part in his writing
career and building his rapping skills. In 2002 he formed a crew called
“ATF" (Arusha town finest) with his high school colleagues, DeoG and Up T.
Chaba first song was Wamejaribu engineered by Umbwa Mzee and In 2005
Chaba dropped his second single “Kama unaflow” produced by Chindo man, this
track introduced him even more in the streets as it got some airtime as well.
Currently Chaba is working on his
solo album that goes by the name "Nyota njema ya mtaa", under
Producer Daz Knowledge. Apart from music, Chaba works as a tour guide at
Asilia Tour Safaris.
Real Name: John
Kweka
A.k.a: Chakalito a.k.a Chaca
Chaca raising a philosophical
question .
"Siku hizi madhehebu
yanaabudu ghadhabu, adhabu dhahabu, mvinyo wa zabibu na ulabu, sababu mwisho wa
ibada mzee wa sinagogi ataongelea tu mahesabu. Ninavoyoelewa mimi, dini
utamduni desturi mali nimekosea jamani, sema kama nimemuuzi manani, dini si
sadaka, kuabudu si kukusanyika na kulia si kuskika, tumepotoka hatuna dini za
kiafrika". a rhyme from Dini ni nini? song -
Chakalito
Real Name: Donald Mkindi
A.k.a: Donii a.k.a Don
Pronke
Is only Mc of Watengwa who has a
unique way of rhyming without writing. Before joining Watengwa, Donii was
a member of Bootcamp alongside Chindo and Robber.
Donii has recorded a lot of songs
since Watengwa came into existence. His song Chokoraa was a hit in 2008
followed by the song ” music is my life” featuring Nakaaya in 2009.
Real name: Lau Mafuru
A.k.a: Lau
I was born in Serengeti and
moved to Arusha in 1988, I am another important icon when it comes to
Watengwa formation. I met Dwee and Umbwa Mzee in 1998 and begun to rap at
Mawingu Club in Arusha City, alongside D'wee. I then joined Watengwa officially
in 2000. I have released many single tracks, but the most recent is
Lau-endless.
For me , Hip-hop means presenting real life,
real messages that will help people to get out of their misery. Me and my wife,
have co founded Boma la Mama, a nonprofit that aims to decrease maternal
and neonatal mortality in Tanzania by establishing, funding and operating a
birth centre and a midwifery education program. I am also the founder of
Boma Africa Outreach Program 
Real Name: Abadallah Said Mshakamari
A.k.a: Dwee
Dwee is another solid foundation of
Watengwa. Dwee as known to many, he begun music path in 1998. He used to
perform in Mawingu club with members like Lau, Chindo and other artist of
Arusha. Dwee has been with Watengwa group since its inception, both as a
performer and producer.He has produced a few songs for artist in Arusha.
He is also a talented drummer and a skillful
beat boxer. Currently volunteers teaching music productions and drumming
at the
United African Alliance Community Center
Real Name: Bung'aa
A.k.a: Bung'aa
Bung’aa as known to many, is a
member of Watengwa who has various talents. He has a rich background knowledge
in paper Mache, sculpture and graffiti writing. He is also a performing
artist.
He begun working with Watengwa in
2000 as a graffiti writer then moved to music. He runs his own business,
selling various artifacts. He has released a lot of songs but the most current
is Jembe la mpini. He resides in Arusha City.
Real Name: Rubama
A.k.a: Yuzzo
Yuzzo chanting down the
babylon.
"Hawana huruma huwa baadhi ya
maradhi ni miradi yao, zao kuvuna, amini usiamini rushwa wanapromote wao,
wakishindwa wanasponsor upinzani, hakuna mchezo mchafu kama siasa duniani, vibaraka
wanawaweka madarakani “ - Rasta ninaposimama song. Yuzzo
He has collaborated with: Kamau from Ukoo Flani Mau Mau, Ambrose from Mandugu Digital, Mzee Comson, Mama Charlotte O`Neal, Jahson (ATL), Crystal Leigh and youth world wide.
He has also been working with different organizations as a community activist, in Arusha and now Philadelphia. He has also co - founded Akili project, a movement that provides youth exchange program within Tanzania and Africa as a whole.
Real Name: Alwatan Kwele
A.k.a: Alwatan
Kwele
Alwatan Kwele is a Philly based Hip
Hop artist, Producer and Photographer originally from Arusha,Tanzania.
A member of Watengwa, Alwatan Kwele
has been making music since 1995 as an emcee. He produced the album
"Freedom or Nothing" and "Warrior for Peace" (co-produced
with Chizi na Brain) at the PPP and Yabisi Studio.
He has collaborated with: Kamau from Ukoo Flani Mau Mau, Ambrose from Mandugu Digital, Mzee Comson, Mama Charlotte O`Neal, Jahson (ATL), Crystal Leigh and youth world wide.
He has also been working with different organizations as a community activist, in Arusha and now Philadelphia. He has also co - founded Akili project, a movement that provides youth exchange program within Tanzania and Africa as a whole.
Real Name: Emmy Shirima
A.k.a: Ghetto Queen
I come from the heart of Afrika and
Afrika is the heart of the world. I was born in rift valley under the shadows
of Kilimanjaro and Meru. I met Watengwa in 2000 soon after, I became a member
of the crew.
I recorded songs like Nilipotoka ,
Mwelekeo and Ujio (Produced by Chindo) which I featured most of the Watengwa
artist). These songs introduced me well to the public. Hip-hop is my art,
it’s people’s culture, I live it and grow with it.
Real Name:
Ghost B
A.k.a: Ghost B
"Hiphop hatutayumba".
Arusha song - Ghost B
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