DAR ES SALAAM: KHERI Sameer Rajabu alias Mr Blue (pictured) is a well-known Tanzanian Contemporary R&B musician in the Bongo Flava genre.
Born on April 14, 1987, he gained popularity with his unique lyrical style and captivating performances. He attended Gerezani Primary School and completed his primary education in 1999. Later, he enrolled at Dar es Salaam Secondary School but dropped out in 2004 during Form 2 to pursue his passion for music.
Despite his parents not supporting his dreams initially, he continued to sing to earn money for school fees. However, as he achieved success, he encountered numerous challenges that threatened to derail his career and personal life.
“I started my music career without any friends, but as I achieved success, I gained many acquaintances. Unfortunately, this led to a change in my behaviour, and I found myself indulging in activities I had never before considered,” he explains. However, fame took its toll on Mr Blue, and he found himself drifting away from his passion for music, instead giving in to a life of excess and revelry.
Mr Blue found himself indulging in activities he had never considered and stopped going to the studio to record music. He attributes this change in his behaviour to the people he surrounded himself with. “I stopped going to the studio to record music; my days were consumed by socialising and alcohol,” he confesses.
When asked about the reasons behind his transformation despite his soaring popularity, Mr Blue pointed to the influence of his inner circle. “The people I surrounded myself with played a significant role in my change. Some habits, like excessive drinking, were not inherent to my character,” he explained.
It was only when he reached a breaking point that Mr Blue realised the need for change. “I began to recognise that the path I was on was leading me astray. That’s when I decided to seek out my family,” he said.
Grateful for the support of his wife, Mr Blue acknowledged her pivotal role in his journey of selfdiscovery. “My wife has been instrumental in my transformation. She is patient and understanding, guiding me towards a better path,” he expressed with gratitude. Since embracing his newfound resolve, Mr Blue has experienced a resurgence in both his personal and professional life.
“Thanks to my changed behaviour, my life has taken a positive turn. My children are thriving in school, my family is intact, and I continue to pursue my passion for music with renewed vigour,” he shared. Despite the challenges he has faced, Mr Blue remains optimistic about the future and offers words of encouragement to fellow artists. “Life may present obstacles, but with discipline and hard work, anything is possible.
Embrace criticism and strive for excellence,” he advised. It was only when he reached a breaking point that Mr. Blue realised the need for change. He recognised that the path he was on was leading him astray and decided to seek out his family. With the support of his wife, he was able to transform his behaviour and experience resurgence in both his personal and professional life.
Today, Mr Blue’s passion and talent continue to resonate with fans across Tanzania and beyond. His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of redemption and reminds us that with perseverance and the support of loved ones, even the darkest of times can lead to brighter days ahead.