Zawose Reunion

Msafiri Zawose zeze, ilimba, chizeze, voice

Bahati Zawose malimba ya kugonga, voice

Michael Zawose ilimba, chilimba, voice

Riziki Zawose ngoma, voice

Mariamu Zawose kayamba, njuga, mheme drum, voice

Pendo Zawose kayamba, njuga, mheme drum, voice

Baraka Zawose ngoma, ilimba

Nyemo Zawose ngoma kubwa

Ilima

Kijana

Hapa Duniani

Hali alisi

Mbukwa

Komale

Asili yangu

Masanja

Mnyamwana

Kunyemo

Makani gale

Mduo

Zawose Reunion

The Zawose family is composed of the descendants and relatives of the internationally renowned Wagogo musician, the late Hukwe Zawose. When Hukwe passed away in 2003, he left behind a rich musical legacy, an extensive body of work, and a large family (twenty children from four mothers) on a mission to continue his legacy. Hukwe Zawose, the father of Msafiri Zawose, was discovered by Tanzania’s founding father, Julius Nyerere, during his visit to the interior after independence, as he welcomed citizens to their newly formed nation of Tanganyika. From that moment, Zawose became synonymous with Tanzania’s music and tradition. Hukwe toured with a cultural troupe, performing traditional Tanzanian music and showcasing the heritage of the Gogo people from the Dodoma region. His fame soared when he became a founding member of the Chuo cha Sanaa (the National College of the Arts) and moved his family to Bagamoyo. His premature death marked the end of a life and career dedicated to music, preserving traditions and spreading the African spirit worldwide. The Zawose Family is one of Tanzania’s most renowned music dynasties, originating from Dodoma and belonging to the Wagogo (or Gogo) people. The family has played a crucial role in preserving and spreading traditional Gogo music, characterised by fluid polyrhythms, polyphonic singing and instruments such as the illimba (thumb piano), the chizeze (traditional violin), and the ngoma drums. His musical legacy has been carried on by numerous family members, including his daughter, Pendo Zawose, and grandchild, Leah Zawose, who formed The Zawose Queens duo. With their debut album, Maisha (2024), they became the first women in the family to write and sing their songs, blending traditional elements with contemporary electronic influences. The Zawose Family continues to be a benchmark for Tanzania’s music.