Other Name/s: Godfrey Tumaini, a.k.a. Dudu Baya

Date/s: 20 January 1998

Actor | Singer | Song Writter

Godfrey Tumaini, a.k.a. Dudu Baya, was born in Mwanza, one of thirteen children. When not in school, he spent much of his youth working and singing in church. Godfrey went to Morogoro in 1998 to join the seminary and fulfill his dream of becoming a priest. But after four years, something had changed… he made the decision to leave the seminary and study architecture at the local University. As his focus shifted from priestly studies to college town clubs, his eyes were opened to another world. Dudu Baya vividly recalls his first visit to a nightclub, Morogoro’s Mango Garden. “I had never seen such a tightly-packed crowd moving as one. It was the music, it was giving them energy.”

In 1997 Godfrey was introduced to rap and his “king” – Tupac Shakur. Calling himself “Double G” (Godfrey Gangster), he began writing his own lyrics and developing his style. While attending a Mr. Too concert with another aspiring rapper, Suloemain Msindi a.k.a. Afande Sele, they were invited to perform on-stage. Afande Sele passed on the opportunity, so “Double G” got on stage and rapped over a UK beat to a huge response. Mr. Too, the biggest rapper in Tanzania at that time, invited him to join his tour… and Dudu Baya’s musical career had begun. “Double G” had studied architecture for two years, but now music was his driving force. He moved to Dar es Salaam to work as an architect in the Precious Blood Mission, and use his earnings to record music as Dudu Baya. Father Francisco, the Director of the Mission, was a big supporter of his musical “calling” and has remained so throughout his life.

Dudu Baya’s lyrics are inspired, thought provoking and often personal. Reflecting on real issues in today’s world, his songs challenge the listener to be accountable for their actions. And the breathtaking beats underneath means he’s got just the formula to make them listen.

Dudu Baya’s first single, Mwanangu Huna Nidhamu, was produced in 2000 at Master Jay (MJ) Records in Dar es Salaam and told the story of a loving father and his unappreciative, disrespectful son. In addition to young fans, the message of this song appealed to an older audience and helped them communicate with their children. It was a smash hit, and distinguished Dudu Baya as a man with a mission. He quickly sought out MJ Records and Sound Craft Studios to produce his first album, titled Ni Saa Ya Kufa Kwangu (“My Time to Die”). Dudu Baya tackled the subject of HIV on both the title track and Dege La JeshI, which tells the story of a “Malaya” (promiscuous woman) who wields HIV as a weapon against men. The momentum was building now, and Dudu Baya was asked to perform at Summer Jam 2000 (now called Clouds Fiesta). It was his first big live show and the crowd response was massive. Promoters’ calls flooded in and he spent the remainder of the year touring the whole of Tanzania.

Dudu Baya’s second album was produced at MJ Records in 2001. Amri Kumi (10) Za Mungu.(“10 Commandments”) was a spiritually-charged, hardcore rap album featuring hip hop classic Tupa Mawe, and Kunguru Ha Fugiki. Another country-wide tour followed, with Dudu Baya performing to huge audiences.

2002 was a year of heavy touring, but Dudu Baya found time to stop in MJ Records’ studio to record his hit single, Nakupenda Tu.

Dudu Baya Halla was released in 2003 to wide acclaim. Hit songs included Mpangaji, Kulusumu and Sikutaka, featuring the Unique Sisters.

Dudu Baya’s fame throughout East & Central Africa has been fueled by constant touring in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Comoro and Zambia.

Travels throughout Kenya inspired a new sound on his 2004 release, Papo Kwa Papo (Tit for Tat), produced by legendary Finnish producer Miikka Mwamba Kari. Dudu Baya’s hardcore rap style gave way to singing, combining the conscious lyricism of Tanzanian bongo flava with the irresistible rhythmic grooves beloved of East Africa, and with some Kenyan dialect thrown in for good measure. Nimondoca was inspired by the love of his son, with a memorable video filmed in the Tegeta Precious Blood church, while the irresistible love song Mpensi has become a massive hit on dancefloors and radio right across East Africa.

Five singles were released between 2006-2007: Ruka Ruka, Manundu, Wela Wela, Sambusa, and most recently, Nakupenda.

Dudu Baya’s 2008 release was produced at No End Entertainment in Uganda, Ogopa DJs Studios in Kenya and Edges Records in Tanzania and Art In Tanzania Studio, where it was also mastered by Benjamin and Miikka Mwamba Kari. “I was really incorporating an East Africa sound on this album,” said Dudu. It’s a style he’s continuing to develop through his involvement with Finnish-Tanzanian NGO Art in Tanzania’s Mzuka Records where, alongside his work promoting the charity’s fundraising concerts and mentoring young artists, Dudu Baya has also recorded a wealth of new material, drawing on both his own experiences of life in Africa and the funkiest beats the continent has to offer to deliver a real message you can move to.

Dudu Baya is making Mziki wa kizazi kipya (music for a new generation). He says, “I don’t want to release slow music, I want to give them what they need, music that makes them feel good.”

Filmography / Discography

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