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Kam Tambini
Feb. 25, 2019 02:49PM EST

Listen to Harmonize's 'Afro Bongo' EP

Featuring Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz, Mr Eazi, and Yemi Alade.

Harmonize dropped what was easily one of our favorite songs of 2018 with "Kwa Ngwaru." The Tanzanian stars now continues his hit-making trend with the release of the new 4-track Afro Bongo EP.

The Afro Bongo EP showcases Harmonize's impressive blend of bongo flava with afropop elements and features a top-tier list of collaborators.

Fellow Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz and Burna Boy show up for the Mix Master Garzy-produced lead track, "Kainama." Yemi Alade features on the addictive Krizbeatz-produced "Show Me What You Got" and man of the moment Mr Eazi turns up for the percussion-heavy jam "Tepete," produced by Chopstix. While Harmonze takes the Fraga-produced closing bonus track, "Niteke," by himself.

It looks likes it's gonna be another good year for the Wasafi Records family.

Listen to Harmonize's four-song Afro Bongo EP in the Youtube Playlist below.

Read: The Best East African Songs of 2018

Harmonize x Burna Boy x Diamond Platnumz - Kainama (Official Audio) www.youtube.com


tanzania afro bongo harmonize
Audio
Harmonize, Diamond Platnumz, Burna Boy "Kainama" (Youtube)

The 20 Best East African Songs of 2019

Featuring tracks from Harmonize, Diamond Platnumz, Sauti Sol, Irene Ntale, Ethic, Vanessa Mdee and many more.

2019 was a year full of positive growth for East African music. It saw many artists from the region make the necessary strides to take East African music to the next level.

The launch of new independent imprints continued to develop a class of budding stars. Sauti Sol's new Sol Generation label, for example, boasts a stellar roster that includes artists like Bensoul and Nviiri the Storyteller, who have topped the charts this year. =Tanzanian bongo flava heavyweight Harmonize left Diamond Platnumz' WCB Wasafi records and set up his own independent imprint called Konde Gang Music Worldwide. This is a dramatic move from the bongo flava superstar but it's exciting to see what he and his new label will offer in the coming year.

Follow our East African Grooves playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

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Tanzanian Comedian Idris Sultan Apologizes to President Magufuli

The comedian says his now viral face-swap photo of the president was not ill-intended.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for Tanzanian comedian Idris Sultan. Late last month, he was arrested after he posted a photo on social media where he had face swapped an image of President John Pombe Magufuli on his 60th birthday with a caption that read "We swapped roles for a day so that he could enjoy his birthday in peace". Sultan was held by the police under the Cybercrimes Act which makes it illegal for any individual to impersonate another digitally. Yesterday, the comedian apologized to the president, according to The Citizen Tanzania.

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Cardi B Teases New Remix of Davido's 'Fall'

Looks like the Nigerian star's massive hit is getting yet another re-up.

Cardi B has teased her apparent upcoming remix of Davido's "Fall."

Posting from a private jet, as she was on her way to New York before heading to West Africa, Cardi B shared a video of herself rapping and dancing along to the unreleased remix.

From the sounds of it, Cardi's "Fall" remix will feature a brand new verse from the New York rapper.

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Image courtesy of Trap Bob.

Trap Bob Is the 'Proud Habesha' Illustrator Creating Colorful Campaigns for the Digital Age

The DMV-based artist speaks with OkayAfrica about the themes in her work, collaborating with major brands, and how her Ethiopian heritage informs her work.

DMV-based visual artist Tenbeete Solomon also known as Trap Bob is a buzzing illustrator using her knack for colorful animation to convey both the "humor and struggle of everyday life."

The artist, who is also the Creative Director of the creative agency GIRLAAA has been the visual force behind several major online movements. Her works have appeared in campaigns for Giphy, Girls Who Code, Missy Elliott, Elizabeth Warren, Apple, Refinery 29 and Pabst Blue Ribbon (her design was one of the winners of the beer company's annual art can contest and is currently being displayed on millions of cans nationwide). With each striking illustration, the artist brings her skillful use of color and storytelling to the forefront.

Her catalog also includes fun, exuberant graphics that depict celebrities and important moments in Black popular culture. Her "Girls In Power" pays homage to iconic women of color in a range of industries with illustrated portraits. It includes festive portraits of Beyoncé, Oprah, Serena Williams and Michelle Obama to name a few.

Trap Bob is currently embarking on an art tour throughout December, which sees her unveiling murals and recent works for Pabst Blue Ribbon in her hometown of DC and during Art Basel in Miami. You can see her tour dates here.

We caught up with the illustrator via email, to learn more about the themes in her work and how her Ethiopian heritage informs her illustrations. Read it below and see more of Trap Bob's works underneath.

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