Interview: Msamiati's sweet rap recipe is taking Tanzanian Hip Hop to Africa
Based on his songs such as Malafyale and Tumeondoka it is quite clear that Msamiati refuses to be seen as an average Tanzanian rapper but an international focused, multilingual MC that is set to take Tanzanian rap to the African music stage.
Bongo Flava going international is usually a hot topic in the Tanzanian music scene.
There is usually pressure from the media and industry stakeholders for Tanzanian artists, regardless of the genre, to secure a front row seat in the African music market, just like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, or even Ayra Starr have.
READ ALSO: Interview: Tanzania's Jaivah is repackaging Bongo Flava for global dominance
Getting signed to foreign music labels and distribution companies is often viewed as a pathway to international success, much like what Feza Kessy, Diamond Platnumz, and Ali Kiba accomplished.
Additionally, engaging in international collaborations with artists such as Davido, Runtown, Iyanya, Burna Boy, and Bobby Shmurda is also recognized as another effective strategy for Tanzanian artists to break into the global music scene.
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To Msamiati, the rapper born and raised in Mbeya, things take a different turn. His unique approach of incorporating the local Nyakyusa language with Swahili and English has not only strengthened his brand's African identity but has also drawn in fans not just from Tanzania, but from across the entire East African region.
READ ALSO: Msamiati's 'Tumeondoka' returns to dominate YouTube's Trending Chart
While many might assume that blending vernacular language in his music would primarily appeal to a local rap audience, Msamiati's approach has instead crossed borders, attracting fans and artists from Kenya, Uganda, and other parts of Africa, as he reveals in this interview.
As he returns with new single ‘Tumeondoka’, the Mbeya born and raised artist speaks to Notjustok about his biography, the origin of his stage name and his soon to happen international collaborations:
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity while retaining its essence:
We both understand that Msamiati is a Swahili word for vocabulary. So can you please share the inspiration behind choosing “Msamiati” as your artistic name?
The name Msamiati came about as a result of the words and phrases I preferred using in my music.
The kind of language and diction I employ in my music is clean, and people began noticing that. They would say, 'This guy uses a lot of vocabulary in his music.' This was back when I was just beginning my music career at the street level.
Similar to Izzo Bizness and Rayvanny, everyone in the music industry is aware that you hail from the Mbeya region. Can please share with us what your early life was like?
My name is Freddy Benny Mbetwa. As the eldest in my family, I was brought up in Mbeya, particularly in the Tukuyu area.
Both my primary and secondary education took place in Mbeya and to be honest my entire life has revolved around Mbeya until in recent years when I came to Dar Es Salaam to chase my dreams.
READ ALSO: Meet Yammi, Bongo Fleva's Next Big Thing
Your sound has this aura of old Tanzanian rap, mixed with new school upbeat Tanzanian Hip Hop. Growing up, which Tanzanian musicians influenced your music taste?
I started making music back in 2018, and while growing up, I used to listen to Tanzanian Hip Hop legends like Albert Mangwair, Solo Thang, Professor Jay, and Joh Makini, plus a bunch of others.
I'm not sure if they are aware; but these guys were like mentors who shaped how I craft my own tunes and choose my words and their influence is everywhere in my music.
That being said, when did you release your first single as Msamiati?
My debut song, Moja Moja, holds a special place in my heart. Produced at Marco Charlie's MJ Records, it symbolizes a significant milestone in my career. It was the first time I fully realized my vision and expressed myself exactly as I'd always dreamed of.
Creating that song was incredibly fascinating because I managed to blend Nyakyusa language, English, and Swahili seamlessly. It's something that had never been attempted before, especially in the mainstream music market back then.
Since the song was produced by Beef Charlie, Marco Charlie being the owner of MJ Records, what was his reaction the first time he heard the song?
I recall him starting to assign me songwriting tasks for other artists. He'd throw simple assignments my way, all because of how I crafted Moja Moja.
That song dived into themes of progress, exploring a myriad of ideas in a single, comprehensive piece. That's what really impressed Marco Charlie.
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So what was the feedback from fans like after releasing the song?
It was amazing. Moja Moja, was all over the radio. I remember people calling me every day because Adam Mchomvu played it every afternoon and would ask while on air, who made this awesome song?
Back then, I wasn't this famous yet, so the song had set a new bar for my music, and I felt incredibly grateful. It made me truly believe in what I was doing because I was fully invested in the project. It marked the beginning of a whole new chapter for me.
So you recently released the blockbuster “Tumeondoka” in which you featured Conboi and Joh Makini. Tell us a little bit about the project!
For me Tumeondoka stands out as one of the greatest songs in Tanzanian rap history. It brings together three kings from different eras, each representing distinct regions.
So how did you link up with Joh Makini?
I remember connecting with Joh even before we laid down this track. Just two days before hitting the studio, we met up one night. That conversation stuck with me. Joh Makini said something that really hit home – he compared my music to cancer, saying it has this slow, penetrating effect, just like the disease.
Two days later, there's Joh, just dropping by Switch Records in the morning. He catches me and Ammy Wave in the midst of creating the beat for Tumeondoka. He's intrigued by what he hears and jumps right in, freestyling over the beat and crafting the chorus on the spot.
What do you think makes Msamiati different from any other rapper from Tanzania?
I believe my style sets me apart from other rappers. Mixing in the local Nyakyusa language adds a unique flavor to my music that no one else is doing. It's like adding a piece of my culture and identity into every track, making it truly special and distinct.
READ ALSO: 10 Bongo Flava classic songs turning 10 in 2024
Fans would like to know if Msamiati is signed under any music label?
Right now, I'm not tied to any music label. I'm flying solo as an independent artist. Honestly, with globalization and all the tech advancements, I don't feel like I need to be signed to a label. I'm carving my own path and making my mark in this ever-changing music landscape.
Tanzanian music is now making waves across Africa, should we expect international collaborations from Msamiati anytime soon?
Absolutely, I've got some exciting international collaborations in the works. I've got two upcoming projects with artists from South Africa, and I've already teamed up with some talented folks from Uganda.
Plus, there's a project brewing with an artist from Kenya. I'm really looking forward to where these collaborations will take us, and I know my fans can expect more of these exciting projects in the future.
