Work on yourself first, Wakazi urges artistes to embrace professionalism

Bagamoyo. Celebrated hip hop artiste, Webiro Wassira alias Wakazi has urged fellow Tanzanian musicians to prioritise self-development as the foundation for professionalism in the country’s music industry.

Speaking during a thought-provoking panel session at the fifth edition of the Hip Hop Asili Festival held at TASUBA in Bagamoyo, Wakazi delivered a candid assessment of the challenges facing local artistes.

“The biggest problem in our industry is the lack of professionalism. But to fix that, artistes must first work on themselves,” he said.

“Go back to school, study the craft properly. When you grow personally, professional growth becomes inevitable,” he added.

Known for his lyrical depth and socially conscious style, Wakazi underscored the importance of practice, discipline, and performance readiness.

He aimed artistes who describe themselves as professionals but struggle to deliver during live performances.

“Some of these so-called professionals can’t even last 20 minutes on stage. You need to memorise your lyrics, train regularly, and refine your stage presence. That’s what separates true artistes from the rest,” he said.

Wakazi urged his peers to be intentional about their careers and to articulate their goals with clarity and purpose.

“Know what you want to achieve. Be deliberate in your journey. Understand where you are now, where you want to go, and how far you’re willing to push,” he said.

In a memorable moment during the discussion, Wakazi recounted an exchange that he said reflected a disconnect between audience expectations and artistic purpose.

“Someone once asked me, ‘Wakazi, why don’t you have hit songs?’ I responded, ‘Do you even know why I started rapping? You want me to become something I’m not. I do this for the culture—this is my lane.’”

He also criticised the prevailing culture of instant gratification, which he believes is stifling artistic growth in Tanzania.

“We’re addicted to two-minute things—microwavable content. That mindset is holding us back. It’s why some of Tanzania’s biggest names can’t do what Frida Amani does, or what I do. They’re chasing quick fame instead of building substance,” he said.

Wakazi’s remarks struck a chord with festival attendees, who praised his honesty and clarity in confronting the realities of the industry.

The Hip Hop Asili Festival, now in its fifth year, has emerged as a critical platform for dialogue, performance, and reflection within Tanzania’s hip hop community.

Featuring workshops, panel discussions, and live performances, the festival continues to draw both established and emerging voices in the genre.

Wakazi’s message, however, went beyond critique. It was a rallying cry for artists to take their craft seriously, invest in personal growth, and elevate the standards of the industry.

“As hip hop evolves in Tanzania, its future will not be defined by talent alone,” he said.

“It will depend on how committed artistes are to mastering their craft and raising the bar—professionally and personally.”