mwana FA

MwanaFA started performing on stage in 1993 at school in Tanga region. Early influences -- even at primary school age -- were his cousin brothers, China Black and Kasir, known as Quite Gangsters Chronic(QGC). MwanaFA formed the crew Black Skin with his schoolmates Robby Ras and Getherics in 1995. In 1996, they came third in the Tanga region hip-hop competition.


He returned to Dar es Salaam in 1998 for high school studies and started to work seriously at his music career in 2000 where he released a number of hits including ‘Ingekuwa Vipi?’ and ‘Mabinti’. In 2003,his track 'Alikufa Kwa Ngoma' -- an anti-AIDS song – was awarded the best hip hop song of the year at the Kili Music Awards, Dar es Salaam.

Album releases: Mwanafalsafani(2002) , Toleo Lijalo (2003), Unanitega which turned out to be the best hip hop album of the year at Kili Awards(2005) and which included a best collaboration single of the year at Kili Music Awards ‘Hawajui’ feat. Lady Jaydee, Habari Ndio Hiyo(a collaboration album with AY,which again included a collaboration single of the year ‘Habari Ndio Hiyo(That’s The News)’ and made MwanaFA the best lyricist of the year at Kili Music Awards(2007, and is currently working on his upcoming album, Mabibi Na Mabwana(Ladies And Gentlemen),scheduled to be released next year after he completes his studies in the UK.

He has worked with various producers, including Bonnie Love (Mawingu Studio), Pfunk (Bongo Records), Master Jay and Marco Challi(MJ Records) and Lamar of Tanzania, RK,Ambrose Akwabi a.k.a Dunga, and Lucas(Ogopa Deejays) of Kenya, and is currently stuck with Hermy B of B Hits Records in Tanzania.

Other hits from MwanaFA includes Wanapendana feat. Dully Sykes,Unanitega? feat Noorah and Barbara, Bado Nipo Nipo, Naongea Na Wewe(Im Talking To You) feat. AY, Msiache Kuongea(Keep Talking) Feat. Lady Jaydee, Binamu(Cousin) and Nazeeka Sasa(Im Getting Old) feat. Mr II and Prof Jay.

He takes inspiration from a wide range of music genres: reggae, soul, american hip hop and from artists including Jay Z, Tupac, Morgan Heritage, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton and Babyface to mention but few and also takes inspiration for his writing from reading and watching movies. His own style combines hip hop instrumentals line up with rap with a unique use of intelligent word play and powerful imagery, hence the name MwanaFA(which means Mwanafalsafa-a Swahili for philosopher).

He is currently taking his Masters Degree in Finance at Coventry University in Coventry, United Kingdom.