Biografia
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Lata aktywności
1996 – teraz (28 lat)
THE CREW OF 3 BROTHERS PLUS A MAASAI SINGER AND 2 YOUNG KIDS…
In the vibrant Tanzanian hiphop scene, the group X Plastaz is one of the most familiar names, with a huge following especially among the ‘common people’. Their conscious Swahili rap lyrics strike a chord with the Tanzanian youth, who can relate to their topics like Aids, unemployment, divorce and even life in prison. Their music is a unique mixture of traditional chanting and elements from hip hop, ragga and even Hindi music.
Six plastaz
The group consists of six rappers/singers. The three brothers Ruff, Gsann and Ziggy used to work in a haircutting saloon in the heart of Maasai land (northern Tanzania). In recent years they have joined forces with Yamat Ole Meipuko, a Maasai singer who still lives in a traditional Maasai dwelling on a 2 hour's drive from Arusha town. Yamat has won various Maasai singing competitions in his age category, and adds a unique vocal element to the stew of Swahili rhymes and tough hiphop beats. The rappers also tour with their 14 and 16 year old rapping brother and sister who are well known for winning numerous talent awards, defeating even adult rappers. Today, all of them make up the group X Plastaz.
Arusha to nationwide
Between 1997 and 2001, the group has become the most popular rap group in their region Arusha and they are well known on a national and international level. Since 2001, the group has done 3 European tours during which they did concerts, workshops and recorded music videos and their first album. The music videos ‘Aha’ (filmed in a traditional Maasai village) and ‘Ushanta’ ended in the Tanzanian national video top 5, and are played frequently on Channel O (South Africa). In December 2003 they released their new single and music video ‘Msimu kwa msimu’ which is currently receiving regular airplay on all Tanzanian stations and on Channel O.
Around the world: Tanzania to Holland, UK to Brazil
In November 2002, X Plastaz performed in Amsterdam (Holland) as the main act in a show on World Aids Day in the Tropical Institute. In July 2003, their European tour led them to Couleur Cafe Festival (Brussels), Rita Ray’s the Shrine night (London) and the Respect Festival at the Millennium Dome (London). Both the audience as well as the press considered their performances to be highlights of the evening. Promo copies of X plastaz songs have started to create a buzz among world music radio dj’s in Europe such as Russ Jones (Future World Funk) and Francis Gay (WDR) and their track 'Msimu kwa Msimu' was considered one of the highlights of Worldmusic Network's compilation 'Rough Guide to African Rap'. In 2005, X Plastaz are playing at PercPan festival in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador (Brazil).
Releases
In 2002, X Plastaz recorded new tracks with well known Dutch producers Precise, 360 and Kid Sundance. Their first full album ‘Maasai hip hop’ will be released on August 16, 2004 on the new label OutHere records (owned by Africa Raps compiler Jay Rutledge). See the Releases page for an overview of available cd's.
The group is managed by Madunia music, a Dutch NGO which also runs the popular Africanhiphop.com website.
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