DJ Fatty (Our Dar Correspondent)
As one of Tanzania’s most well-known DJs on the Afropop music scene, DJ Fatty definitely has the scoop on the top artists contributing to Dar es Salaam's musical culture.

This week we caught up with DJ Fatty  to learn more about the hottest musicians in the bongo flava/Swahili genres.

Below, you'll find more information some of the artists DJ Fatty plays regularly on her radio show: Heard every Saturday at noon on CloudsFM 88.4 in Dar.












DJ Rudeboy Paul (Our Jozi Correspondent)
Rudeboy Paul is a South African poet, musician, vocalist, emcee, presenter, DJ, actor and editor. He is also a regular performer at the Politburo Sessions, where traditional African music is mixed with modern urban music. He is on of the sponsors of "Poets in da House"  which promotes young, talented South Africans in both the performing and creative arts. Rudeboy Paul's last album, called "The Second Offering", was released in 2006.

Along with DJ Fatty, DJ Rudeboy Paul also spoke with us this week about the powerful music emanating from today’s up and coming South African musicians. Check out these amazing talents below!




Bongo Maffin (Johannesburg, SA)
Bongo Maffin has been called many things in many countries, and yet what they do is simply this: use their voices, bodies and souls as channels to a very urgent, highly rhythmic African spirit in the form of music.

“New Construction” is a multi-platinum selling, multi-award winning, multitude of hearts- warming album.  It's the band’s sixth and most homecoming album since their major recording, “ Concerto” featuring the township slammer, “That ’Isghubu.”

Check out Bongo Maffin’s official homepage!

Visit Bongo Maffin’s Myspace page!

Watch a music video of Bongo Maffin on YouTube!






Khethi (Johannesburg, SA)
With a voice to die for, a deep social consciousness, and the goal of showing her people they can venture onto the global stage, Khethi has recently—with the help of Abstrak Beatz and Maestro Musik—completed production of her debut album, "Exemplify."

This album is a collection of what Khethi calls “Afrosouljazz.” It exemplifies her goal to be "a vessel through which good and inspiring energy flows."

Check out Khethi’s official homepage!

Visit Khethi’s Myspace page!

Watch a music video of Khethi on YouTube!









F-I-D Q (Dar es Salem, Tanzania)
Ever since Fareed Kubana (aka F-I-D Q) dropped those infamous 16 bars on a feature track, 'Ukweli na Uwazi,' on the now classic 'Wachuja Nafaka' album, Bongo HipHop was born again. Fid has since released 2 more singles. 'Chagua Moja' was an instant hit and a summer anthem for 2005.  Currently he's got the Number 1 song with his single 'Mwanza Mwanza,' where he gives props to his hometown of Mwanza.

One of the most sought-after artists, he has been featured on tracks by Daz Baba (Namba 8) and, most recently, on 2 songs with the underground Swiss Rap crew Klykhlas on their Swiss/Swahili rap blend project known as 'Daladala Project'.

Check out F-I-D Q’s official homepage!

Visit F-I-D Q’s Myspace page!

Watch a music video of F-I-D Q on YouTube!

Simphiwe Dana (Eastern Cape, SA)
Born and Raised in the Eastern Cape, her name means ‘gift’ and many of her fans would agree that she is a gift to the S-A music scene. In a short period of time, this Soul Sistah has become one of South Africa’s favorite daughters. Her music has a fresh sound and her unique voice complements it perfectly. Her debut album, "Zandisile," took a lot of music lovers by surprise. It is modern South African music with a timeless revolutionary message.

Simphiwe Dana says that her music is mostly influenced by what is going on in people’s daily lives. Tracks like Thwelubunzima and Vukani call for people of color to wake up and see the light, She also has tracks like Zandisile, which is a song of hope, and Ndiredi, the hit single for which she won a handful of South African Music Awards.

Check out Simphiwe Dana’s official homepage!

Visit Simphiwe Dana’s Myspace page!

Watch a music video of Simphiwe Dana on YouTube!


Ali Kiba (Tanzania)
Though relatively new to the world of Afropop, Ali Kiba is already making waves with his hot single Cinderella.  He comes highly recommended to our audience by DJ Fatty and has also gained notable success for his song writing skills (showcased on the hit song Macmuga).

Watch a music video of Ali Kiba on YouTube!

Wanaume T-M-K (Tanzania)

Ntando (Johannesburg, SA)

Busi Mhlongo (Inanda, SA)

First published: Compiled and Edited by RaShonda Reeves