Artists

Francesco Nchikala is an artist and musician born in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a singer, solo guitarist, and composer, his sound incorporates elements of smooth jazz, blues, rock, folklore, and rumba. Alone with his guitar, he plays the griot and sings in French, Swahili, Lingala, Kiluba, and read more

Fresh Jumbe is a Tanzanian singer-songwriter who lives in Tokyo and rocks Japan and Asia with his own style of music, a mix of Tanzanian rumba, rock and mduara. Born in Tanga, on the coast of mainland Tanzania, he started singing with his friends when he was only six years read more

Jupiter Bokondji was born in Kinshasa 48 years ago, into a family of griots from the Mongo region. His grandmother, a renowned healer, introduced him to traditional rhythm and music including the famous Zebola from Ekonda (Mongo région of the equator), rhythms that are said to cure the sick. From read more

Lwendo Afrika is a singer/songwriter from Tanzania who aims to use her music, voice, and sound to shine a light on the beauty of Africa, spread love, and heal the image of African heritage.

Her music is a beautiful mix of traditional African music elements with a combination of modern-day styles read more

Since their formation in 1978 Mlimani Park Orchestra have always been one of Tanzania's most popular bands, easily verified by audience turnouts and radio airplay. 40 years on, Mlimani Park Orchestra are still at the top when it comes to Tanzanian muziki wa dansi.

The band set out with a read more

This is Tanzania's equivalent of Congo's TPOK Jazz or Zaiko Langa Langa. As OTTU Jazz, and in various other guises, Msondo Ngoma Music Band has been around since 1964, with the current leader Maalim Gurumo, being the only original member left.

Being the oldest surviving band in East and Central Africa, read more