A STORY ABOUT BONGO FLAVA DOCUMENTRY

This page is for behind the scenes footage for the documentary! Enjoy :)

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: Jumbe This interview mainly discussed Mr. TZ's (Jumbe Hamza) background, musical journey, and perspectives on Bongo Flava music. Mr. TZ began by sharing his diverse cultural background, being born in the US with Tanzanian roots. He credited his father and Tanzanian functions for sparking his interest in music and audio production. Mr. TZ described Bongo Flava as the flavor of Bongo, a melting pot of various musical influences, including Tanzanian traditional sounds, Zouk, and others. He discussed his musical career progression from rapping to incorporating African beats and mixing languages. Mr. TZ also explained the origin of his name and his company, 255 Nation, emphasizing his focus on supporting other artists. He identified his musical inspirations, and his target audience by expanding to build a foundation back home in Tanzania. The interview further explored his methods of promoting, marketing, and distributing his music, balancing social media strategies with traditional approaches. Mr. TZ shared his views on the Tanzanian music industry and expressed his belief that Bongo Flava could have the same impact as other African music genres if it sticks to its unique identity.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: Dola

This interview mainly discussed the definition, history, and current state of Bongo Flava music in Tanzania. Dola defined Bongo Flava as originating from hip-hop, representing the innovative spirit of Tanzanians making something from nothing, while noting its current state encompassing various genres. The conversation explored the roots of Bongo Flava and the influence of both Nigerian and American hip-hop artists. Dola highlighted the initial struggle for recognition against West African and Western music and the subsequent commercialization and monopoly by radio stations which affected the diversity and authenticity of Tanzanian music. The discussion also covered the challenges faced by hip-hop artists in Tanzania today, the importance of unity and collaboration, and the need for artists to promote Tanzanian culture. Dola emphasized the significance of events like Bongo Flavor Honors in recognizing artists' contributions to Bongo Flava. Dola also expressed his views on when artists should transition out of music, the importance of supporting emerging talent, and his personal target audience: the marginalized and those seeking opportunity.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: Mex Cortez

Visit Original Link

Mex Cortez discussed career as a bilingual rapper in Tanzania. Mex introduced himself as a hip-hop artist who raps in both Swahili and English, representing Tanzania (255). He shared that he started making music in 2011 but began professionally in 2016. Mex was inspired by both American and Tanzanian artists like Eminem and One The Incredible, who inspired Mex to transition from rapping in English to rapping in Swahili. The conversation explored Bongo Flava, which Mex described as a fusion between hip-hop and old-school afro music that represents Tanzania's sound. He expressed concern that the genre is increasingly adopting Nigerian and South African influences rather than developing their original sound which can cause a dying genre. He talked about his experiences touring in Tanzania and how these tours helped him build connections with other creatives. He also discussed his approach to creating music videos, where he visualizes the video while writing the song. Mex noted that success often depends on connections in addition to talent and how social media has created new opportunities for artists. 

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: AY

Visit Original Link

The meeting included an in-depth interview with AY , a well-known Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist who has spent 25 years in the music industry. In his discussion, AY reflected on his journey from creating music groups in school to launching his solo career in 2001. He talked about how Bongo Flava has developed as a cultural movement, highlighting its distinct sound and identity. The artist provided insights into how the music industry has evolved, particularly noting the shift from promoting music through physical CDs to leveraging digital platforms. He stressed the significance of investing in music production and urged Tanzanian artists to preserve their unique sound while competing on an international stage. The conversation also addressed various challenges that the industry faces, such as the need for greater media support, increased artist visibility, and improved investment strategies. AY underscored the vital role of discipline in achieving success and shared his vision for the future of Bongo Flava, calling for enhanced support for emerging artists and greater investment in the sector.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: Taji Lundi

Visit Original Link

This interview mainly discussed the career journey of Taji Lundi, a director of ceremonies and radio manager, and his influence on the development of Bongo Flava music in Tanzania. Taji recounted how he entered radio after college and his efforts to promote local urban music, facing resistance but pushing forward to represent the streets on the airwaves. He detailed the origins of Bongo Flava, explaining its evolution from young Tanzanians rapping over foreign beats to a distinct genre with Swahili lyrics, influenced by artists like Saleh Jabri and Mr.2 (Sugu). The discussion covered the challenges of gaining acceptance for Bongo Flava, the importance of radio in promoting the music, and the shift from physical cassette sales to social media streaming. Taji also shared his views on the current state of the Tanzanian music industry, highlighting the need for artists to maintain individuality and the potential for Bongo Flavor to reach a global audience, while also addressing issues such as gatekeeping and the lack of a strong musical base. He emphasized the importance of Tanzanians supporting their own music industry and the role of media personalities in positively influencing society. Finally, Taji expressed his belief in Bongo Flava as a savior of Tanzanian youth and his hope for its future, advocating for a deeper exploration of local tribal music to forge a unique Tanzanian sound.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: Sugu

Visit Original Link

This interview mainly discussed the musical career of Sugu (formerly Mr. Two or Two Proud), a pioneer of Bongo Flava music in Tanzania. Sugu shared his journey starting in the early 1990s, explaining how he began his musical career organizing his first concert in 1992. He described the challenges of early music production in Tanzania, including limited studio access and financial constraints. Sugu defined Bongo Flava as a Tanzanian urban music genre that blends different international styles like rap, zouk, and dancehall performed in Swahili. He discussed his international touring experiences in Europe and America, with a memorable show in Houston, Texas in 2006. The interview covered his transition from music to politics, serving as a member of parliament for 10 years (2010-2020), which he described as breaking barriers for artists entering politics. Sugu also detailed his current project, "Bongo Flava Honors," a monthly concert series honoring legendary Tanzanian musicians. He emphasized the importance of preserving musical history and giving recognition to pioneers who built the foundation of Tanzanian music. Throughout the interview, Sugu reflected on the business aspects of the music industry, the challenges of establishing fair payment for artists, and his role in transforming music from a hobby into a viable career path in Tanzania.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: Karolyn Klaire

Visit Original Link

This interview mainly discussed the journey of entertainment professional Karolyn Klaire, in Tanzania's music industry. Karolyn shared her experience starting as a club promoter while being a single mother, which opened doors for her in the entertainment scene. She described how she and her friends formed a group organizing parties and events that eventually attracted brand partnerships. The discussion explored Bongo Flava, Tanzania's distinctive music genre that originated from the influence of American rap, hip-hop, and R&B combined with traditional African drum beats and Swahili lyrics. Karolyn explained how Bongo Flava has evolved over time, especially with the influence of Afrobeat and Amapiano. She highlighted the challenges of being a woman in Tanzania's male-dominated music industry, mentioning that she was the first woman to shoot and direct a music video in Tanzania. The interview also covered her involvement with Women in Music Tanzania, a chapter of a global nonprofit organization aimed at empowering women in the music industry. Throughout the conversation, Karolyn emphasized the importance of creative direction in music, the evolution of Tanzanian music on the international stage, and her aspirations to become an entertainment entrepreneur who makes a significant impact in the music space.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: DJ Boni Love

Visit Original Link

DJ Boni Love , a well-known DJ and sound engineer from Tanzania, discussed the evolution of Bongo Flava music and the Tanzanian music industry. DJ Boni Love recounted his journey, starting as a DJ in the 1980s and growing into a central figure in the development of Bongo Flava. He illustrated how the genre evolved from early influences of American hip-hop and disco into a unique Tanzanian sound. DJ Boni Love also shared his experiences from working at Clouds FM for 12 years and his contributions too shaping the Bongo Flava sound. He highlighted the significance of education and professionalism in music production and talked about the current landscape of the industry, including the rise of Amapiano music. The discussion shed light on both the successes and ongoing struggles within the Tanzanian music scene, especially in terms of artist development and international collaboration.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: Master J

Visit Original Link

Master J is a significant figure in the Tanzanian music industry and the pioneer of Bongo Flava. Master J reflected on his journey from being a music producer and record label owner to running a construction business. He shared his early musical influences, which include Dr. Dre, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis. Master J described how Bongo Flava evolved by fusing hip-hop, R&B, reggae, and Arabic musical scales, resulting in a distinctive sound that has achieved commercial success. He also talked about the development of the Tanzanian music industry, the launch of Bongo Star Search, and the difficulties encountered by female artists within the industry. Throughout the conversation, Master J expressed the significance of education and having a backup plan for aspiring musicians, while also shining a light on the positive effects of the music industry in generating employment and transforming lives in Tanzania.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: Ali Kiba

Ali Kiba , a prominent Tanzanian musician, discussed his career and the state of Bongo Flava music. The interview covers various aspects of his musical journey, including his beginnings in 2003, his inspirations (notably Brandy and Shania Twain), and his views on the evolution of Bongo Flava. Ali Kiba emphasizes the genre's fusion nature, combining hip-hop, R&B, and traditional Tanzanian sounds. He discusses the challenges facing Bongo Flava in gaining global recognition, particularly in comparison to Afrobeat and Amapiano. The artist highlights the importance of collaboration among Tanzanian musicians and the need for a unified effort to promote Bongo Flava internationally. He also shares insights about his touring experiences, both locally and internationally, and the evolution of music promotion from pre-social media days to the present. Ali Kiba expresses his vision for the future of Bongo Flava and his commitment to developing new artists in the industry.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Interview: KBC

Visit Original Link

KBC, a pioneering Tanzanian artist and early member of Kwanza Unit, shares his journey through the evolution of Bongo Flavor music. Growing up inspired by international artists like Fela Kuti and Michael Jackson, he became involved in hip-hop in the early 1990s, helping to develop what would become Bongo Flava. He describes the genre as an "accidental" sub-genre of hip-hop that emerged from young artists experimenting with music, eventually growing into a vibrant cultural movement representing Tanzania's youth. KBC critically examines the current state of the Tanzanian music scene, arguing that it lacks a true industry infrastructure and is primarily dominated by a few major artists. He is hopeful about the future, believing that younger artists have more tools and opportunities than his generation, and he dreams of Bongo Flava gaining international recognition, potentially with dedicated categories in international awards. Throughout the interview, he emphasizes the importance of live performances, cultural expression, and the need for professional development in the music community, while celebrating the creativity and potential of Tanzanian artists.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Visit Original Link

Interview 2: Baraka Y Baraka

Baraka is a Tanzanian music enthusiast living in the US since 1996. During the interview, we focused on Bongo Flava music and its evolution. Baraka shared his experiences with music from Tanzania, starting from the early 90s when Saleh Jabri pioneered Bongo Flava by mixing US beats with Swahili lyrics. He discussed the challenges faced by Tanzanian artists in gaining international recognition compared to West African artists, particularly highlighting Diamond Platnumz's success. Baraka emphasized the importance of good management, government support, and creative freedom for artists. The conversation also covered the role of music videos, the impact of social media, and the potential for Bongo Flava to grow globally. Baraka expressed optimism about the future of Tanzanian music, particularly with younger generations showing interest in both Bongo Flava and Afrobeat music.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Visit Original Link

Interview 1: Richard Mwandemani 

Richard is a Tanzanian DJ and music enthusiast, discussing the evolution of Bongo Flava music and its impact on Tanzanian culture. Richard shared his journey from Tanzania to the United States in 1998, his passion for music, and his experiences as a DJ. He explained how Bongo Flava evolved from early 90s music that sampled American hip-hop to a distinct genre with its own identity. Richard emphasized the challenges faced by Tanzanian artists in gaining global recognition compared to Nigerian artists, citing factors like population size and historical connections. He discussed the changing perception of music as a viable career in Tanzania, particularly mentioning how Diamond Platnumz became a trailblazer in monetizing music. The conversation also covered the differences between traditional Tanzanian music and modern genres, the role of government in regulating music, and the importance of preserving musical heritage while embracing new styles.

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

[astoryaboutbongoflava]

Location: Kinodoni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

This is my cousin Madilo! Very shy kid but so curious! When we were shooting in Kinodoni this day, he was attached to Alex and examining his camera. He even got a chance to shoot some b-roll, that will maybe end up in the doc ;)