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, Msondo Ngoma still offers the best of "muziki wa dansi" (East African rumba), pulling the crowds and topping the charts with their fast-selling albums.

Msondo Ngoma sing in Swahili language. Each song narrates the personal experiences of the musicians and the challenges they go through that seek to stop them from pursuing their dreams. Hits including Kilio Cha Mtu Mzima, Kaza Moyo are perennial dancefloor fillers at any venue in Tanzania, remaining popular with people of all ages.

"The arrangements, vocals and compositions are a joy from beginning to end for lovers of old-style Congolese music." (DJ John Armstrong).

See their brilliant video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ebmlAVtHUg