When the year is almost drawing to a close, few can anticipate the tidal wave of energy the Jägermeister Brass Cartel is about to unleash on Dar es Salaam.
With a performance that has the city buzzing for days, the South African brass band proves they are not just a group of musicians—they are an unstoppable force reshaping the way Tanzanians experience nightlife.
The excitement is palpable as the band arrives for the second leg of their highly anticipated tour.
It is clear they are out to raise the bar from their previous unforgettable performance.
"We've learnt a lot on this journey, what clicks, what doesn’t, and what fans truly love," shares one band member while warming up in the relaxed Oyster Bay suburbs.
The anticipation rises as the evening draws closer, and with every passing moment, Dar’s nightlife is about to receive a jolt.
Tanzanian media had eagerly anticipated seeing the band live before their performance.
While the band was already renowned for their global performances, this was the first time many local journalists got a behind-the-scenes glimpse.
The band’s familiarity with Tanzanian music was apparent. They were particularly impressed by Singeli, the fast-paced genre that started in Dar es Salaam’s inner city and found its way to mainstream success.
“You can hear a lot of Shona influence in singeli; there are similarities, and there’s a lot of North African music in singeli as well—the tempo, but also Sho Mandoza’s music is like singeli," they observe, demonstrating that music, at its core, is a universal language, binding Africa together through rhythm and soul.
As the band shared their insights, it became clear that music was a unifying force for all Africans.
Comprised of five members—Richard Martins on snare drums, Saul Nossel on the bass drum, Malusi Masia on the saxophone, Lebo Gabe on the trombone, and Ntsikelelo “Jack” Mcwabe on trumpet—the Jägermeister Brass Cartel band has become a global sensation.
They’ve built a diverse fanbase, thrilling audiences from Europe to Africa with their high-energy performances.
During their Tanzanian tour, the Brass Cartel took on the local scene with a twist, covering some of the biggest Bongo Flava hits purely instrumentally, providing Tanzanians with a refreshing take on their favourite chart-toppers.
Known as "The Disruptors," the Brass Cartel is on a mission to turn every stage they perform on into an unforgettable experience. Their second visit to Tanzania was no exception.
With performances at popular spots like Element, Tips at Coco Beach, MiCasa, Gentlemen, and Ibungu, the band brings an electrifying energy that has Dar's nightlife scene buzzing well into the early hours.
The Jägermeister Brass Cartel has earned its reputation as a global medley powerhouse.
Known for their explosive performances, they’ve captivated audiences worldwide, including Tanzanians who were treated to their distinctive energy.
Their presence in Dar es Salaam was especially significant—this city, which has hosted countless international musicians, was given a breath of fresh air by the Brass Cartel. They came, they rocked, and they left an indelible mark.
“We are more popular now than ever before because we have perfected the art of real-life experiences,” says Jean, the band’s spokesperson.
“We have become the best moment of the nightlife, a surprise that disrupts the norm and makes every night unforgettable,” he adds.
Dar es Salaam’s nightlife didn’t disappoint either. Revellers came out in droves, flooding the bars and venues that had been pre-determined as the Brass Cartel’s stops.
With a city that had seen its fair share of international talent, this brass band was a novel and exciting experience.
The band’s performance sparked a creative fire, igniting a desire for extraordinary nightlife in a city that had grown accustomed to the usual.
“We learnt what Tanzanians want, we went to the kitchen and cooked another meal, and we are grateful it was well received,” the band proudly shares.
What sets the Jägermeister Brass Cartel apart is their ability to read the room and adapt.
Their versatility, honed from years of touring across the globe, enables them to connect with fans from all walks of life.
Their fusion of genres, transcending musical boundaries, creates an experience that knows no limits.
While in Dar es Salaam, the band masterfully integrated local DJs into their performances, delivering an electrifying show that blended Amapiano, the trailblazing South African music genre, with the beloved Bongo Flava.
“We can pop up anywhere; our setup is mobile and efficient, and we work closely with local DJs to make sure transitions are flawless,” explains Jean.
This collaboration between live instruments and DJ mixes was a hit with the crowd.
Fans couldn’t get enough, and social media was abuzz with posts and stories of the Brass Cartel’s unique shows.
With every beat, every horn blow, and every thumping bass, they proved that music is indeed a universal language—one that transcends words and connects people through rhythm and dance.
The band’s consistency and talent have led them to perform at some of the world’s biggest stages.
From their recent tour in Cannes, France, to multiple performances in Namibia, Swaziland, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Jägermeister Brass Cartel’s reach is global.
With over 320 shows in South Africa alone, including the prestigious T209 cricket tournament in 2018, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Their collaborations with renowned artistes like Rouge, Kenzhero, Grassy Spark, and 2LeeStark have further expanded their musical horizons.
One of their most exciting milestones was securing a gig at an MTV concert alongside the legendary American rap group Migos during their South African show.
Six years into their journey, the band feels like they are just getting started.
With new horizons and venues on the horizon, the Jägermeister Brass Cartel continues to disrupt the nightlife scene.
Wherever they go, they unite people through music, dance, and a drink, transforming ordinary nights into unforgettable experiences.
Talking to Dar es Salaam locals who were present at their pop-up performances, the consensus was clear: the nights were exhilarating, and the experience was one they hoped would be repeated.
“We are the shot in the entertainment,” the band remarks in unison. “We are the pleasant surprise that comes to disrupt the ordinary night scene to make it extraordinary.”
As the band wrapped up their tour in Tanzania, the city’s nightlife was forever changed.
Nyama Choma, drinks, and a legendary performance cap off the evenings, making it clear that the impact of their visit will resonate for years to come.
