Misomisondo is among the best DJs, born and raised in the southern region of Tanzania, who managed to make a name in the showbiz world. He grew up in Mtwara and early in his childhood developed a love for music, as every now and then he would watch his father, who was a musician and DJ, perform at local shows. His father was also a music teacher; thus, the passion for music was passed down, and it was quite obvious from his childhood that Misomisondo would soon follow in those steps.
Early Life and Family Influence
In 2012, while he was still in primary school, Misomisondo’s father bought a sound system, and since then, the young boy was spellbound. He watched keenly as his father mixed and played songs during events within their neighborhood. Misomisondo recalls those moments as the big inspiration that has shaped his career to date, saying, “I would just sit and observe my father, how he organized songs and controlled the atmosphere of the event. It was amaizing.”
In 2016, Misomisondo, being a Form Four leaver, revealed his intention to seriously pursue DJing. Thr notwithstanding that he performed poorly and got a division four in his finals, music seemed to fill an inner calling. Having talked to his parents, they gladly bought him a complete music system consisting of speakers, microphones, a computer etc to enable his dream.. His career as a DJ officially began in 2017, though he had already faced various challenges and setbacks.
From Street to National Recognition
Misomisondo struggled a lot from 2017 to 2019 in his neighborhood, playing on the streets for anyone who would pay him anything. In contrast to nightclubs where everything is enclosed, Misomisondo preferred performing on the street as such shows offered vibe which was in tune with his type of mixing style. He told me: ‘Street shows often come with special energy-it is real, it is pure, and that is why I adore doing it.’
In 2023, however, he landed his big break when hired to work as a resident deejay at EFM, among the best known radio stations in Dar es Salaam, Misomisondo was hired in 2023, however, he achieved his big breakthrough.. Moving from Mtwara to Dar es Salaam opened many great doors for him, but he is still very proud of his roots. He talks a lot about his hometown and about how he will probably go back to street performances once his contract with EFM is over. He says proudly, “If things are not working out in Dar, I’ll go back to Mtwara and keep playing for my people; that’s where my heart is.”
Artistic Style and Musical Influence
Misomisondo is a stage name that is a combination of his nickname “Miso” and “Misondo”, an abbreviation for a genre of drums traditionally used in the south regions. His style has captivated a wide audience nation-wide through his blending of traditional sounds with modern beats, but he enjoys a considerably larger following in the southern parts of Tanzania, where he has performed extensively.
Among the favorite catchphrases in his show has got to be “umepigaje hapo,” a word that his fans love shouting in the flow of his sets. He is an energetic performer, and this is always accompanied by his team of 10 dancers in every event. His dancers, dressed in worn-looking costumes, complement the energetic sets of Rayvanny with powerful, dust-kicking moves that draw the audience in.
A Moment with Rayvanny
One of the many highlights in Misomisondo’s career to date is working with Rayvanny on the hot single “Kitu kizito.” His signature was his DJ jingles and mixing, so it was bound to be a hit. Misomisondo reflects on the project: “Rayvanny approached me to work on this track, and I added my touches with jingles and the mix. It’s a great feeling knowing that every time the song plays, I benefit from it.”
When asked how much he was paid for the collaboration, Misomisondo wouldn’t say but just hinted that it was a sizeable amount; he doesn’t want to scare away other artists from approaching him with future projects. “Let’s just say the payment was good, but I’m still open to work with others. It is not all about the money; it’s about the great music,” he said.
Family and Community Support
He is very thankful for his family’s support, mainly his older brother, for carrying him through the hard times and an inspiration to him in the way the music world went. “My brother has been my mentor. Seeing me succeed means so much joy to him.”
Today Misomisondo is a successful DJ and a family man. He has six siblings, two of whom are independent, while the rest are still in school. This has seen Misomisondo take up the responsibility for supplementing his earnings to afford them better opportunities. He has also commenced the building of a house for his mother, a project he started in 2020, as a means of giving back to his mother, who has been his only source of motivation and prayer.
The Future of Misomisondo
Though he now is successful and recognized throughout Tanzania, Misomisondo has never forgotten his roots. He currently employs two assistants who help him with logistics when he performs and his future dream is to continue making music and giving back to his community. “My success is not mine alone,” he says with great modesty. “It is of all people who believed in me right from the start.”
With infectious energy and a deep love for music, little seems to get in the way of Misomisondo’s star continuing to shine in Tanzania and beyond.
