Peter Msechu was born in 1988 in Kigoma region, in the northern part of Tanzania close to the border with Burundi. He started singing aged ten when his father took him to join Kigoma Lutheran Church Choir, where at the time his father was the choir teacher.

Peter’s mother meanwhile was a teacher at Katubuka Primary School. She wanted her son to study hard while his father wanted him to be a musician.

In 2009 Peter Msechu’s talents came under the national spotlight in Bongo Star Search (BSS), a weekly TV talent competition. He faced many challenges as his experience was limited to choir singing whilst fellow contestants were singing a range of popular music styles.

After delivering his own first composition, feedback from the judges (Madam Rita, Salama Jabir, P Funk and Master J) helped Msechu to find a new confidence.  He changed tactics, started reinterpreting old hits with energetic performances. He quickly developed a wide fan base of young Tanzanians, eagerly tuning in to BSS every week to see what Msechu would deliver next.

Finally Msechu came in at number two. His dream had been to front a band, and said to himself “now is the time”. Within months he had released two major hits, “Hasira Hasara” and “Relax” (collaborating with Kenya-based Burundian musician Kidumu).

After becoming popular all over Tanzania by 2010, he joined Tusker Project Fame; similar to Bongo Star Search but this time including contestants from all over East Africa. Peter Msechu soon accumulated more fans throughout East Africa.

For this competition, Msechu chose classics by legendary African musicians including Oliver Mtukudzi, the late Marijani Rajab and Mbaraka Mwinshehe, and mixed these with new beats. Ultimately he came in again at number two, with an even greater confidence and resolve to pursue his career in music.

During the past year Msechu has performed all over East Africa and more recently in USA. At Sauti za Busara 2013 Peter Msechu will present a special performance with Wakwetu Jazz Vibes… 100% live!