Professor Jay

Joseph Haule (born December 29, 1975), popularly known by his stage name Professor Jay, is a Tanzanian rapper, songwriter, politician and former member of the Tanzanian parliament for Mikumi constituency.[1] He is one of the prominent representatives of the "Bongo Flava" Tanzanian hip hop subgenre, which mixes elements from both Western hip hop and the Tanzanian tradition (including swahili lyrics as well as an activist attitude towards Tanzanian social issues such as HIV/AIDS, wealth, inequality, and political corruption).[2]

Hon.
Professor Jay
MP
Member of Parliament of Mikumi Constituency
In office
November 2015 – October 2020
Preceded byAbdulsalaam Amer
Succeeded byDenis Londo
Personal details
Born (1975-12-29) 29 December 1975
Songea
NationalityTanzanian
Political partyCHADEMA
ChildrenLisa Joseph
Occupation
Musical career
GenresTanzanian hip hop
Bongo Flava
Years active1989–present
LabelsMwanalizombe Studios

Biography

He started rapping in 1989 as a member of the group Hard Blasters, best known for their hit "Chemsha Bongo" (then he used stage name Nigga J) from their first album, "Funga Kazi". Only one year later, they won the title of best hip-hop group in Tanzania.[3]

During his solo career which started in 2001, he has released number of hits, including "Nikusaidiaje" and "Zali la Mentali (feat Juma Nature)". Other songs released by Professor Jay include "Piga Makofi" and "Yataka Moyo".[4] Just like Mr. II, he is a pioneering Tanzanian MC, who have remained some of the most popular hip hop musicians in Tanzania, despite influx of many new bidders. Also similar to Mr. II and Deepac Braxx from (Kisii County) but who resides in Nairobi Kenya his lyrics often have political messages. In one of his songs he imitates an elder politician and ridicules the fake promises they all mindlessly spew as they are trying to get elected. The song continues with a chorus saying the words "Ndio Mzee" which means "Yes Sir". This represents the brainwashing of the public as politicians make these false promises over and over. However, after the song was released, the president of Tanzania referenced the lyrics in one of his speeches, which acknowledged the presence of Bongo Flava and the success of Professor Jay's political lyrics.[5]

His first album, "Machozi, Jasho na Damu," gained instant recognition for which Professor Jay won several awards. He attained other awards such as the best hip-hop album in Tanzania with his second album, "Mapinduzi halisi".[3]

Professor Jay's songs include Nikusaidiaje (featuring Ferooz), Nimeamini (featuring Lady Jaydee), Inatosha (featuring Sugu), Vuta raha (featuring Ferooz), Border kwa border (featuring Nazizi), Heka heka za star, Interlude, J.O.S.E.P.H., Nisamehe (featuring Banana), Wapi nimakosea, Una, Hakuna Noma, Jina Langu, Bongo Dar es Salaam, Piga Makofi, Msinitenge, Kikao cha Dharura, Zali la Mentali, Nidivyo Sivyo, Mtazamo (featuring Afande Sele and Solo Thang), Hapo Sawa.[6] Professor Jay is featured by Deepac Braxx (Heavyweight Mc) and Nonini's song "Kumekucha" [7]

Politics

At the 2015 Tanzanian general elections, Professor Jay successfully vied for Mikumi constituency parliamentary seat for CHADEMA. He was not reelected in 2020.[1]

Personal life

He comes from a family who are younger brothers are all musicians, including a well known rapper Black Rhino. As of 14 February 2022, Jay has allegedly been under hospital care for health complications.[8]

Solo albums
  • Machozi Jasho na Damu 2001
  • Mapinduzi Halisi 2003
  • J.O.S.E.P.H 2006
  • Aluta Continua 2007
  • Izack mangesho 2014
  • Kazi Kazi 2016

Awards

Won

Nominated

References
  1. Muendo, Stevens. "Bongo singer Professor Jay beaten in polls". The Standard. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  2. Bongo Flava: Swahili Rap from Tanzania Archived 2005-12-17 at the Wayback Machine
  3. Professor Jay : BAB KUBWA
  4. Bongoflava: The Primer - Pop Playground - Stylus Magazine
  5. Interview: AFRICAN HIP HOP IN TANZANIA - Highlights of a Conversation with Alex Perullo Archived 2008-04-03 at the Wayback Machine
  6. Professor Jay Discography Archived 2008-10-12 at the Wayback Machine
  7. noninin - Mwisho ya Mawazo of Kenya. liner notes
  8. Elizabeth, Ngigi (14 February 2022). "Bongo artiste Prof Jay undergoing dialysis". The Star. Retrieved 2022-03-04.
  9. Tanzania Music Awards - Winner 2004
  10. Tanzania music Awards 2006 winners Archived 2008-08-28 at the Wayback Machine
  11. "Kisima Awards winners 2006". Archived from the original on 2009-04-08. Retrieved 2007-09-16.
  12. "Kisima Awards winners 2007". Archived from the original on 2011-07-22. Retrieved 2009-10-30.
  13. Museke: Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) awards 2007 winners - Uganda Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine
  14. Daily Nation, Buzz Magazine, April 12, 2009: The Kilimanjaro Awards 2009:The highs and lows
  15. BBC, November 23, 2008: Nigerians sweep MTV Africa awards
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