Bios

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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

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: 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: 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: Ghost B A.k.a: Ghost B

"Hiphop hatutayumba". Arusha song - Ghost B