X Plastaz

about

X Plastaz is a Tanzanian hip hop musical group based in Arusha and founded in 1996. They are one of the most popular acts in the Tanzanian hip hop scene. Their style mixes elements from international hip hop and traditional Maasai music, represented by Maasai singer Merege. While Merege sings in maa (Maasai language), the other members of the group rap in swahili and haya. Merege is also well known to perform in traditional Maasai clothings. X Plastaz hip hop is slower paced that most African hip hop and strongly characterized by Maasai deep chanting. X Plastaz songs such as Aha!, Dunia dudumizi, Bamiza and, most notably, Msimu kwa msimu are among the most popular hits in the bongo flava genre. The first lineup of X Plastaz consisted in the Ruff and Gsann brothers from Arusha, together with their colleague and roommate Ziggy from the Tanga Region. They began singing hip hop in 1995, while earning their living in a haircutting saloon. In 1996 they were noticed by Bonnie Luv, a record producer from Dar es Salaam, who had them record some single. Their first hit was Bamiza (1998), that was one of the most played songs by Tanzanian radios for several weeks. Another hit soon followed, Wachaga piga chata. In 1997 X Plastaz visited a traditional Maasai village west of Arusha and met Yamat Ole Meipuko, also known as Merege, who was the local "singing champion" in his age class. They thus invited Merege to join them when they were performing in the surroundings of Arusha and Moshi.

top songs

albums

Maasai Hip Hop

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Second album (forthcoming)

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The Rough Guide To The Music Of Tanzania

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The Rough Guide To African Rap

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Urban Africa Club

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Bongo Flava

The Rough Guide To African Music For Children

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Rough Guide - African Rap

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Global Hip Hop: Beats and Rhymes - The Nu World Culture

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Urban Africa Club - Hiphop Dancehall & Kwaito

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14 tracks for a summer in the city

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Rough Guide To African Music For Children

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