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Tanzanian Musician Professor Jay (Joseph Haule)

August 18, 2021

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Summary of the Tanzanian Musician Professor Jay (Joseph Haule)

Table of Contents

Joseph Haule, widely known by his stage name Professor Jay, was born on 29th December 1975. He is a Tanzanian politician, songwriter, rapper and erstwhile member of the Tanzanian parliament representing Mikumi constituency. Professor Jay is one of the notable artists of the Tanzanian hip-hop subgenre, Bongo Flava, which blends elements from Tanzanian tradition and Western hip-hop, including Swahili lyrics and an activism attitude towards national social problems like political corruption, wealth, HIV/AIDS and inequality).

Biography

Professor Jay’s rap career began in 1989. He started as a member of the rap group Hard Blasters, using the stage name Nigga J. The group was best known for their hit song “Chemsha Bongo” from their debut album, “Funga Kazi.” The group won the award of best hip hop group in Tanzania a year later.

He went solo in 2001 and has since released a number of hit songs, including “Zali la Mentali” where he featured Juma Nature and “Nikusaidiaje.” Professor Jay has released other songs like “Yakata Moyo” and “Piga Makofi.” Like Mr. II, Professor Jay is also a pioneering Tanzanian MC who has remained one of the most famous hip-hop artistes in Tanzania despite the influx of many new artistes. Also, he is similar to Deepac Braxx, who hails from Kisi County but lives in Nairobi, Kenya. His lyrics often bear political messages. He mimics an elder politician in one of his songs and mocks the false promises they make when seeking the masses’ vote. The song continues with the chorus “Ndio Mzee” meaning “Yes sir.” This is a reference to how politicians brainwash the public and make false promises again and again. However, after the release of the song, the lyrics were referenced by the president of Tanzania in one of his speeches, acknowledging the presence of bongo flava and the success of Professor Jay’s political lyrics.

His debut album, “Machozi, Jasho na Damu,” got instant recognition and won Professor Jay many awards. His second album, “Mapinduzi halisi,” won him other awards like the best hip hop album in Tanzania.

Some of Professor Jay’s songs are Wapi nimakosea, Jina Langu, Piga Makofi, Bongo Dar es Salaam, J.O.S.E.P.H, Hakuna Noma, Interlude, Zali la Mentali, Una, Kikao cha Dharura, Msinitenge, Mtazamo (featuring Solo Thang and Afande Sele), Nidivyo Sivyo, Nimeamini (featuring Lady Jaydee), Heka heka za star, Inatosha (featuring Sugu aka Joseph Mbilinyi), Nikusaidiaje (featuring Ferooz), Hapo Sawa, Nisamehe (featuring Banana), Border kwa border (featuring Nazizi), Vuta raha (featuring Ferooz). Nonini and Deepac Braxx, also known as Heavyweight MC, featured Professor Jay in their song titled “Kumekucha.”

Professor Jay’s former group, Hard Blasters, is set to make a comeback in 2009. The new lineup will be made up of Fanani, Professor Jay and Big Willy. They are expected to release a new album.

Professor Jay Involvement in Politics of Tanzania

Professor Jay contested for a parliamentary seat to represent the Mikumi constituency as a candidate of CHADEMA during the Tanzanian general elections held in 2015.

Solo Professor Jay Albums

Kazi Kazi 2016
Izack Mangesho 2014
Aluta Continua 2007
O.S.E.P.H 2006
Mapinduzi Halisi 2003
Machozi Jasho na Damu 2001

Professor Jay Tanzania Awards

Wins

2009 Tanzania Music Awards – Best Songwriter
2007 Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) – Best Male Artiste (Tanzania)
2007 Kisima Music Awards – Best Ugandan Song (Sivyo Ndiviyo with Chameleone)
2006 Kisima Music Awards – Best Tanzanian Song (Nikusaidaije)
2006 Tanzania Music Awards – Best Song (Nikusaidaije)
2004 Tanzania Music Awards – (Kilimanjaro Music Awards) – Best Hip-hop album (“Mapinduzi Halisi”)

Nomination

2008 MTV Africa Music Awards – Best Hip-hop

Professor Jay House

Professor Jay Net Worth

It is hard to determine the exact and credible number in terms of Professor Jay net worth, as there is not a lot of credible sources in Tanzania that are specialized in this kinda of estimations. That said, Professor Jay was a politician and a very long time successful Tanzanian music artist, he is definitely up there in the list of wealthy musicians in the country and around Africa.