Africa: Aluta kontinua !
Posted March 31st, 2008 by mnyadi
The Tanzania Hip hop legendary, Joseph Haule FAMOUSLY known as Prof. Jay has completed his new album titled "Aluta Continue" means 'the stuggle goes on' expected to be launched early in April 2008. Prof Jay has been in New Age music for the past 20 years and he is one of the most respected Hip hop Artist due to its clarity and touched message bringing out issues affect all social groups from political, social to economic vibes. In 2006, Prof. Jay join hand with some young artists and youth to make community journey which marked the begining of Speak Tanzania through a documentary titled in swahili "Songa Mbele" means Forward Journey. He and other participants proceeded to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he joined with other big African Artists from south africa, Madagasca, Togo and Ethiopia itself. Here is where the birth of Speak Africa occured carrying One strong message of RECONNECTING AFRICA THROUGH MULTIMEDIA APPROACH.
"ALUTA KONTINUA" the name of his album: back in 1960, this was a common slogan that was found among the African politicial and freedom fighter. a portuguese word which people in Mozambique, Angola, and many African countries spoke and understood in one perspective. No confusion, if you hear this word then you perved away for freedom. I had a moment to catch some comments from him on his perspective towards naming his album this legend word. Prof. Jay being the old timer and unchallenged artist, he want to see his society do away with extreme poverty, better social services, education and equity. He wants to see Africa become stronger everyday, but he wants people to keep fighting, struggling and unite. We may worn the war but the battle is still on....therefore aluta continue !
Joseph Haule was born in December 29, 1975, popularly Professor Jay is a Tanzanian hip hop artist. This type of Tanzanian hip hop has come to be called Bongo Flava which is associated directly with the area as a new genre different than hip hop. The lyrics in Bongo Flava are often representing of the hardships of Tanzanian life, including issues such as aids, wealth inequality and struggling to meet basic needs. He started rapping in 1994 as a member of the group Hard Blasters, best known for their hit "Chemsha Bongo" (then he used stage name Nigga J) from their first album, "Funga Kazi". Only one year later, they won the title of best hip-hop group in Tanzania.
During his solo career which he started in 2001, he has released number of hits, including "Nikusaidiaje" and "Zali la Mentali (feat Juma Nature)". Other songs released by Professor Jay include "Piga Makofi" and "Yataka Moyo". Just like other big artists, he is a pioneering Tanzanian MC, who have remained some of the most popular hip hop musicians in Tanzania, despite influx of many new bidders. Also his lyrics often have political messages. In one of his songs he imitates an elder politician and ridicules the fake promises they all mindlessly spew as they are trying to get elected. The song continues with a chorus saying the words "Ndio Mzee" which means "Yes Elder". This represents the brain washing of the public as politicians make these false promises over and over. It is interesting to note however, that after this song was produced, the president of Tanzania referenced the lyrics in one of his speeches, which aknowledged the presence of Bongo Flava and the success of Professor Jay's political lyrics.
His first album, "Machozi, Jasho na Damu (Tears ana Blood)," gained instant recognition for which Professor Jay won several awards. He attained other awards such as the best hip-hop album in Tanzania with his second album, "Mapinduzi halisi (True Revolutionary)". With his single Nikusaidiaje, he won the Best Song category at 2006 Tanzania Music Awards and the best Tanzanian song category at 2006 Kisima Music Awards.
Professor Jay's songs include Nikusaidiaje (featuring Ferooz), Nimeamini (featuring Lady JD), Inatosha (featuring Sugu), Vuta raha (featuring Ferooz), Border kwa border (featuring Nazizi), Heka heka za star, Interlude, J.O.S.E.P.H., Nisamehe (featuring Banana), Wapi nimakosea, Una, Hakuna Noma, Jina Langu, Bongo Dar Es Salaam, Piga Makofi, Msinitenge, Sto Mzee, Zali la Mentali, Nidivyo Sivyo, Hapo Sawa.
Solo albums
>Machozi Jasho na Damu 2001
>Mapinduzi Halisi 2003
>J.O.S.E.P.H 2006
>Aluta Continua 2007
Watch some of his songs here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oH3CP9T5-g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icUHE4r_2TQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d121y-Ej4s0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8ai0D4oRs0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZzmNCeZIMQ
Other source: wikipedia.org
its time to prove on how beautiful our continent is. I love Africa
prof jay portrays Africa in a broad knowledge, I really appreciate i wish his work could be understood to other Africans, he would have shaped may young Africans.
thanx Mnyadi for this post
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