Tag: Okoa Mtaa

Okoa Mtaa Foundation Returns to Mwanza

The efforts of Okoa Mtaa (save the streets) & the grassroots work they are doing in Tanzania is important. Through SUA (Saving Underground Artists) they promote the revolutionary potential of hip hop culture to educate, transform, & mobilize. They are a group of dedicated artists and activists working to educate youth through hip hop culture, trying to counter the impact of pop culture, which actively fights against youth empowerment.

I went to their event in Arusha earlier this year and continue to be impressed with their work. www.facebook.com/suatanzania #Back2Mwanza

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30 days of Tanzanian hip hop: Day 19 Daz Naledge & JCB

30 days of Tanzanian hip hop: Day 19 – Daz Naledge & JCB. In 2010. Backstage at the 2010 Fiesta. As members of Watengwa, these two out of Arusha, Tanzania’s hip hop capital. Active since the 1990s, Watengwa is a legendary hip hop group in Tanzania. They have the respect of hip hop heads all over Tanzania. Daz is one the organizers of SUA and works with others in SUA to plan events that support hip hop in Arusha and Tanzania. JCB recently moved to Europe, but remains a respected emcee in TZ.

Daz

watengwa recs

*30 days of TZ hip hop is to show some of what I experienced the past year in Tanzania.

30 days of Tanzanian hip hop: Day 10 B-Boys

30 days of Tanzanian hip hop: Day 10 – B-Boys. Breakdancing is another element of hip hop. TZ doesn’t have a big B-boy scene like Uganda or South Africa, but groups like Saving Underground Artists (SUA ) understand the importance of including all of the elements of hip hop. This image came from the Okoa Mtaa festival in Arusha put on by SUA. They had Wachata doing graffiti, B-boys, DJs, and a bunch of emcees.

SUA is one of the most active and positive organizations promoting hip hop culture. They are based in Arusha, which is a city that is serious about hip hop culture. SUA organizes workshops, concerts, and outreach for youth. I have so much love for SUA, what they stand for, and what they do.

Bboys sm

S.U.A

*30 days of TZ hip hop is to show some of what I experienced the past year in Tanzania.