No Singeli vibe, it’s Balladeers who sing Jesus return in blue notes

DAR ES SALAAM: GENTLY flavoured with R&B-like syncopation, Joel Lwaga’s Bongo Flava ballad, New Beginning, still commands the Easter Gospel music airplay next Friday (April 3rd), when Tanzanian Christians join the globe to mark Good Friday in a sombre mood.

The song seems the best pick for this year’s Easter as it carries everything a human being needs to show their allegiance to their creator.

Music analysts note it as a declaration of hope, faith and restoration from Joel Lwaga.

The song tells a deeply personal story of rising from seasons of darkness, learning to stand again after every fall and discovering renewed strength through every scar.

Blending heartfelt Swahili verses with a powerful English chorus, Joel announces the end of the old and the birth of the new leaving yesterday behind and stepping forward with confidence and belief in what God is doing next.

The repeated confession “It’s a new beginning” becomes both a prayer and a proclamation for anyone trusting God for a fresh start.

Anchored in resilience, faith and inner renewal, “New Beginning” is a song for anyone who has cried, waited and hoped yet still chooses to move forward.

A reminder that the past is erased, tears no longer define the future and God’s presence gives strength to begin again. Joel Lwaga consolidates his status as the new generation’s Gospel Music powerhouse when he joins Moses Lukas in his eponymous hit, Moja.

Also in ballad form, ‘Moja; is a powerful and heartfelt song by Moses Luka featuring Joel Lwaga, delivering a message about unity, faith and the strength found when people come together as one.

Through uplifting melodies and inspiring lyrics, the song reminds us that despite our differences, we are connected by purpose, love and God’s grace.

This collaboration blends powerful vocals with an emotional sound that speaks to the heart and encourages listeners to stand together in faith and hope.

Balladeers seem to dominate the airwaves as most of the hits, even those released by Bongo Flava mega stars like Diamond, Mbosso, Nandi or Marioo, observe a cool tempo and gentle feel to suit the Easter mood since the crucification, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can’t be observed faster 6/8-time beat.

The dominant heat since the start of this year and continued to dominate airplays to date, March 27, 2026, includes Asante, penned by Nandy, Happy by Diamond Platnumz, Darasa la Saba by Mbosso, and Tulizana by Diamond Platnumz. Also continuing to hit airwaves are Nasinzia by Nameless, who featured Marioo and Harmonise who duetted with Mbosso in hit Leo.

While it has been a quiet Easter for some Roman Catholic families, it was not the same for Evangelists and born-again Christians in many suburbs of Dar es Salaam and other Tanzanian cities and villages, who claim this year’s Easter will witness the return of Jesus.

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Though its vibes have not been widely promoted in recent years, Easter Sports and Cultural Bonanza are eyeing its 62nd anniversary this year.

Though a secular state, Tanzania has been celebrating major Christian festivals such as Christmas and Easter, especially in regions with significant Christian populations like Arusha, Dodoma and Mwanza.

Churches are adorned with decorations, special masses are held and communities engage in charitable acts and festive meals. Easter celebrations often involve reenactments, processions and community feasts that highlight Tanzanian interpretations of the holiday.

Though not widely publicised this year, Easter Sports and Cultural Bonanza have been an annual rotational exchange programme strengthening ties between the Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

Featuring soccer, netball and basketball, these events celebrate the union, promote sports tourism and foster community economic development, often involving government officials and state house teams.

The events are crucial for promoting sports tourism, cultural heritage and strengthening the Union between the mainland and Zanzibar, often serving as a, or connecting to, “union” celebrations.

Teams often included representatives from government bodies, such as State House staff, parliamentary members and port authorities (e.g, Dar es Salaam Port vs Zanzibar Port).

The event rotates, with matches played at various venues, including Pemba Island and Dar es Salaam, enhancing tourism and local economies.

The tradition dates back many years, building on cultural exchanges that predated the 1964 union.

For example, in 2010, the ‘Daily News’ reported that Dar es Salaam Port defeated Bandari Zanzibar 3-0 in soccer, with Netball teams also competing, as part of the Easter celebrations.

Additionally, in 2007, the Wazee Club of Arusha travelled to Zanzibar for an Easter sports tour and a friendly football match against the Isles’ House of Representatives members.

But today, March 27, 2026, nothing has been heard from Wazee Club, which used to regularly feature in Zanzibar Sports Bonanza.

While Easter is quietly observed across Tanzania, this year’s event came with intriguing news of the possible return of Jesus Christ.

Since February 2021, Around the Corner, Jesus is Coming by Mtoni Evangelic Choir was a motivational gospel song that seemed to prepare Evangelists for Jesus return.

But today, most of the Evangelical Churches prefer to play Christopher Mwahangila’s Yesu Yuko Hapa (Jesus is here) to celebrate the return of (resurrection) of Jesus, which they claim it will be this Sunday, March 29, 2026.

“We have been informed that Jesus will return on Easter Sunday, March 29 this year and all signs are clear,” insisted Dafroza Ngonyani, member of Mbezi-based Sayuni Church of Dar es Salaam.

She claims several Bible verses talk about Jesus coming back, with Matthew 24:30, 1 Thessalonians 4:16- 17 and Revelation 22:20 being among the most direct.

These passages describe his return as a visible, powerful event in the clouds, often described as the “Second Coming” or the “Day of the Lord.”

Matthew 24:30: Describes the Son of Man appearing in the clouds with power and glory.

1 Thessalonians 4:16: Mentions the Lord descending with a shout, accompanied by the trumpet call of God. Revelation 22:20: Contains Jesus’ promise, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Acts 1:11: Confirms Jesus will return in the same way he ascended.

John 14:3: Highlights Jesus returning to bring believers to himself. Most of the Born-Again Christians base the argument on the unrest, tribulations and natural calamities that today threaten the whole universe, especially what is going on today in the Gulf States.

“He is about to come and it will be on this year’s Easter Sunday,” adds Flora Mwigune, also a member of Sayuni Church.

Martha Mwaipaja’s Amenitengeza is also doing well in the Gospel Music chart. Besides being played widely in Church congregations, the song is even played in Muslim weddings as it praises God’s ability to create a beautiful wife.