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Mbosso’s rise from a humble village boy to streaming powerhouse
What you need to know:
- With an ever-growing fan base, an impressive catalogue of hits, and an uncanny ability to evoke emotions through his music, Mbosso continues to dominate various streaming platforms.
They say, "Give them their flowers while they can still smell them," and if there’s one artiste who deserves his bouquet, it’s Mbosso.
Over the past six months, at least five to seven out of ten trending songs have either been his or featured him. The Tanzanian musical sensation has solidified his position as one of the most streamed artists in East Africa.
With an ever-growing fan base, an impressive catalogue of hits, and an uncanny ability to evoke emotions through his music, Mbosso continues to dominate various streaming platforms.
Whether it’s his solo tracks or collaborations, his music is setting the internet ablaze, earning him millions of streams across Boomplay, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
A fan comments, “First, you’re an incredible songwriter! Second, you always drop hits! And third, you’re an amazing performer on stage. Your live performances are insane!”
Humble Beginnings and Rise to Stardom
Born Mbwana Yusuf Kilungi on October 3, 1995, in Kibiti, Pwani Region, Tanzania, Mbosso’s journey to fame was far from easy. Raised by his parents, Hadija Salom Kikaali and Yusufu Mbwana Kilungi, he grew up in a modest household where music became his refuge.
His mother worked as a farmer, while his father made a living as a matatu operator.
Despite financial struggles, young Mbosso’s passion for music led him to Dar es Salaam, where he sought to make a name for himself in the competitive Tanzanian music industry.
His first breakthrough came as a member of Yamoto Band, where he performed under the stage name "Maromboso."
Between 2013 and 2015, the band gained national recognition and won the Best Band award at the 2015 Kilimanjaro Music Awards. However, when the group disbanded in 2015, Mbosso found himself at a crossroads, unsure of his next move.
Mbosso’s fate changed when he signed with WCB Wasafi, Diamond Platnumz’s powerhouse record label, in 2018.
This deal catapulted him into solo stardom, and he quickly proved he was more than just a former band member.
His debut solo singles, "Maajabu," "Picha Yake," "Tamu," and "Tamba," became instant favourites, showcasing his heartfelt storytelling and signature percussive guitar style.
One of his biggest hits, "Hodari," released in 2018, won the Video of the Year award at the 2019 HiPipo Awards.
His ability to blend Swahili love ballads with Afro-pop and Bongo Flava elements earned him a loyal fan base across East Africa and beyond.
Dominating the digital era
Mbosso’s music has transcended traditional radio and TV, thriving in the digital streaming era.
His songs consistently rack up millions of views and streams, reinforcing his status as one of Tanzania’s most influential artistes.
His debut album, Definition of Love, released in 2021, became a massive success.
Featuring collaborations with heavyweights like Diamond Platnumz, Mr. Flavour, Spice Diana, Darassa, and Rayvanny, the album showcased Mbosso’s versatility and global appeal.
In 2022, he followed up with his first EP, Khan, a romantic masterpiece that resonated with listeners across the continent.
The project amassed over 50 million streams on Boomplay alone, proving Mbosso's staying power in the industry.
Beyond his solo tracks, Mbosso has become a highly sought-after collaborator. His features on songs with Jaivah, D-Voice, Darassa, Billnass, and Yammy consistently elevate the region’s soundscape, further cementing his dominance on streaming platforms.
And showcase his effortless ability to blend with diverse musical styles—all of which are trending not only in Tanzania but across East Africa.
D’voice’s Tunapendana, which premiered on November 27, 2024, reaches 7,142,895 views and holds the position of eleven on the top music video charts on YouTube.
In 2023, Mbosso joins the elite group of Tanzanian artistes who have surpassed 200 million streams on Boomplay—a milestone that reflects his widespread popularity.
His influence extends well beyond Boomplay, as his impressive numbers continue to grow on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where his music videos frequently trend and attract millions of views within days of release.
For instance, the music video for “Boda” by Billnass featuring Mbosso has already amassed 1,582,496 views, ranking at number three on YouTube’s Trending for music.
Meanwhile, Darassa’s track “Looking For Love” quickly garners 2,031,240 views by February 14, 2025, earning the number 4 spot on Trending for music.
Mbosso’s ability to seamlessly blend with different artistes and genres has made him an asset in the industry.
Whether it’s a romantic ballad or an upbeat party anthem, his contributions elevate songs, making them instant fan favourites.
Another fan says, “All those verses… The lyrical master must have been sick and stressed at the time. Now that he’s healed, the lyrics coming next will be fire! All in all, God is good—we’re waiting for those verses!”
Mbosso's music is characterised by deep emotions, relatable storytelling, and infectious melodies. His lyrics often revolve around love, heartbreak, and life’s ups and downs, making him a favourite among fans who appreciate heartfelt music.
With each release, Mbosso continues to prove why he is one of Tanzania’s most celebrated artistes. His consistency in delivering hits and his ability to dominate streaming platforms show that he is far from a one-hit wonder.
As he gears up for future projects, fans eagerly anticipate more soulful ballads, captivating collaborations, and record-breaking achievements.
His journey—from a small village in Kibiti to the top of streaming charts worldwide—serves as an inspiration to aspiring artistes.
Mbosso is living proof that talent, determination, and the right opportunities can transform a dream into reality.
