Mambo Jambo

Mambo Jambo

Mambo Jambo are a Tanzanian hip-hop group from Dar es Salaam, formed in 1999 by Benjamin Sixtus Busungu, Uwesu Mzee, known as G Stebel, and Kibwana Nguzo, known as Chuck B. Their sound combines hip-hop, rap and African beats, and the group also draws on dance music, love songs and traditional forms. Benjamin, who is the producer and frontman, is originally from Tanga, Tanzania. He grows up listening to a wide range of records at home, including Jim Reeves, Aretha Franklin and Miriam Makeba, and later cites KRS-1 and LL Cool J among his early hip-hop influences.

Early recordings and breakthrough

Benjamin moves to Dar es Salaam in 1994 and records his first song the following year after finding the only studio in the city at the time. That early track, Kifo, is a tribute to musicians who have died. Before the group has major radio support, he takes tapes to concerts and tries to get on stage to perform. Mambo Jambo record their first album at FM Studio and begin a long working relationship with Finnish producer Miikka Mwamba Kari, who is described as an important pioneer of Bongo Flava recordings.

The group’s first major hit is Hip Hop Mdundiko, which reaches number one in 2001 and brings them wider attention. It is followed by Rebeca, a new version of a traditional love song, and by Jambo in 2002, a fast house-style song about Tanzania.

Albums, awards and touring

Their debut album, Hip Hop Mdundiko, arrives in 2004 and generates five further hits: Shemeji, Mambo Yangono, Penzi la Kifahari, Sugarmommy and Ekitobero, the last of which features Saida Caroli. Ekitobero wins Best Folk Song and Song of the Year at the 2004 Kilimanjaro Music Awards, and Benjamin also receives Best Male Artist.

After that success, Mambo Jambo tour widely across East Africa and build a regional following. Their 2005 tour includes dates in Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Burundi, South Africa, Congo and the Reunion Islands.

Later work and line-up

Their self-titled 2008 release shows the group developing a more distinct sound. By this point, Miichael Kimbali, also known as Only Face, has joined and adds vocals and harmonies. G. Stebel contributes soulful lead vocals on tracks such as Nakupenda, and the album also includes 2merudi tena and an appearance by Cuban pop performer Erick Jon.

Across their work, Mambo Jambo use music for social messages as well as entertainment, including songs about non-violence and HIV awareness. Benjamin says he writes by observing everyday life, and the group presents itself through dance-oriented songs, melodic material and lyrics rooted in ordinary experience. Benjamin also works with Art In Tanzania on a production studio and music programme, helping develop young Tanzanian artists and supporting recordings by acts including Dudubaya and Zemkala.