Rayvanny

Rayvanny's uplifting Bongo Flava tracks first arrived on the broader East African music scene in 2016 with his official debut, "Kwetu." Released on a label run by fellow Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz, the two soon collaborated on a series of singles, including 2019's "Tetama." Born Raymond Shaban Mwakyusa in Mbeye, Rayvanny took part in local freestyle rap competitions as a teenager, winning a national contest in Dar Es Salaam in 2011. He joined the group Tip Top Connection the following year. In 2015, he was added to the roster of Diamond Platnumz-run WCB Wasafi Records as a solo artist. His debut single, "Kwetu," followed in 2016 and became a hit in and outside of Tanzania. He was nominated for Breakthrough Act of the year at that year's MTV Africa Music Awards. Rayvanny followed up with more dance-motivating songs, including "Salome" (featuring Diamond Platnumz) and a featured spot on Queen Darling's "Kijuso" in 2017. In 2019, his own "Tetema," again featuring Diamond Platnumz, became one of his biggest hits yet, with its video collecting tens of millions of views -- they collaborated again a year later on "Amaboko." 2020 also saw the arrival of the special Valentine's Day EP Flowers, which featured guest spots from Karen, Mr. Blue, and Messias Maricoa. ~ Marcy Donelson