Young Lunya is a Tanzanian rapper from Dar es Salaam known for Swahili Bongo rap, and the first Tanzanian hip-hop artist signed to Sony Music Entertainment Africa.
Background
He began as part of the trio OMG Tanzania, with Salmin Swaggz and Con Boi, and has been a solo artist since 2019. Rolling Stone Africa notes the influence of his grandfather’s Swahili poetry on his writing.
Releases and milestones
“Vitu Vingi” (2022) was followed by wins at the 2022 Tanzania Music Awards for Hip-Hop Male Artist of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Song. He signed to Sony Music Entertainment Africa on 3 June 2022. In 2023 he released “Stupid” with Khaligraph Jones; in 2024 came “Mbwa mwitu” and his debut album Mbuzi (with Abigail Chams, Marioo and Micky Singer). Collaborations include “Mchele” with Joh Makini and “Shikilia” with Professor Jay and Maua Sama. Rolling Stone Africa named him in its 2026 Future of Music list.
Where to start
The Freestyle Sessions series, represented below by session 4, is a direct view of his writing and delivery; Mbuzi is the full album.
Sources
- Rolling Stone Africa – Young Lunya, Swahili spitfire
- The Citizen – Tanzania’s Young Lunya joins Sony Music Africa
- The NATIVE – Best new artists, September 2024
- Viberate – Young Lunya
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