I'm Msafiri Zawose, a Tanzanian vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist continuing the musical legacy of my late father, Dr. Hukwe Zawose. I specialize in Gogo Fusion—a soulful blend of traditional Wagogo music and modern global sounds. My music features traditional instruments like the ilimba (thumb piano), zeze (string instrument), flute, and hand drums, fused with contemporary electronic, jazz, and Afro-fusion rhythms.
I’ve performed at major festivals across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the U.S., including WOMAD, Sauti za Busara, Lake Eden Arts Fest, and more. I also facilitate workshops and music residencies, sharing the rich heritage of Tanzanian music with global audiences.
Currently touring in Europe and open to:
Collaborations with bands or producers
Live gigs, festivals, studio sessions
Educational music workshops
Street & acoustic sessions
Influences: Hukwe Zawose, Wagogo traditional music, Peter Gabriel, Youssou N'Dour, Salif Keita, Baaba Maal, Fela Kuti, Anoushka Shankar, Tinariwen, Sam Jones (Soundway Records), Burkina Electric, Shabaka Hutchings, Ibeyi, Mulatu Astatke, nature and spirituality, everyday Tanzanian life.
Ilimba (large thumb piano) – Custom-crafted, tuned to Gogo scales
Zeze – Traditional Gogo string instrument (bowed lute)
Ngoma drums – Hand-carved Tanzanian drums for deep polyrhythmic grooves
Marimba – Wooden xylophone used in both melodic and rhythmic arrangements
Gogo flute – Handmade traditional reed flute
Loop station – For layering vocals and instruments live (Boss RC-505)
Microphones – Shure SM58 (vocals), AKG C414 (studio use), DPA headset mic (live vocals & ilimba)
Ableton Live – For electronic performance, production, and sample triggering
MIDI controller – Akai MPK Mini for integrating electronic textures
Monitors/IEMs – In-ear monitoring system for live shows
Percussion – Shakers, seed rattles, ankle bells (indigenous to East Africa)
