- Prof Jay speaks out on his ailment
- Spends 127 days in ICU, says he’ll be back soon
- “I’m now doing well through God’s grace”
LEGENDARY Tanzanian rapper Joseph Haule, known by his stage name Professor Jay, has thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for coming to his rescue during his ailment that also saw him disappear from public limelight.
The former Mikumi Constituency Member of Parliament on the Opposition Chadema ticket, appeared on social media platforms on Tuesday after a prolonged hospitalization, as he battled bravery for his life.
The hip-hop star, who shot to limelight in the 1990s, expressed his gratitude to President Samia for funding his treatment both in and outside the country.
“In a special way, let me thank Dr Samia for footing my medical bills throughout my treatment in and outside of the country. I must admit that I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of well-wishers.
He started music in 1989 as a member of Hard Blast- ers group, which shot to fame after releasing their hit track “Chemsha Bongo” from their first album, “Funga Kazi”.
Only one year later, they won the best hip-hop group award in Tanzania. During his solo career, which started in 2001, he has released a number of hits, in- cluding “Nikusaidiaje” and “Zali la Mentali, feat. Juma Nature.
Other hits by Professor Jay include “Piga Makofi” and “Yataka Moyo”. Just like Joseph Mbilinyi ‘Mr II’, he is a pioneering Tanzanian MC, who have maintained their popularity in the country’s music industry, despite the influx of many new bidders.
Also similar to Mr Mbilinyi, who is the former Mbeya Urban Legislator of CHADEMA ticket, his lyrics often have political messages.
In one of his songs, Prof Jay imitates an elder politi- cian 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 fourth phase President Jakaya Kikwete referenced the lyrics in one of his speeches, which acknowl- edged and commended the presence of Bongo Flava and the success of Professor Jay’s political lyrics.
His first album, “Ma- chozi, Jasho na Damu,” gained instant recognition for which Professor Jay won sev- eral awards. He attained other awards such as the best hip- hop album in Tanzania with his second album, “Mapin- duzi Halisi”.
Professor Jay’s songs include Nikusaidiaje (fea- turing Ferooz), Nimeamini (featuring Lady Jaydee), Inatosha (featuring Sugu), Vuta raha (featuring Ferooz), Border kwa border (featur- ing Nazizi), Heka heka za star, Interlude, J.O.S.E.P.H., Nisamehe (featuring Ba- nana), Wapi nimakosea, Una, Hakuna Noma, Jina Langu, Bongo Dar es Salaam, Piga Makofi, Msinitenge, Kikao cha Dharura, Zali la Men- tali, Ndivyo Sivyo, Mtazamo (featuring Afande Sele and Solo Thang), Hapo Sawa.
Professor Jay is featured by Deepac Braxx (Heavyweight Mc) and Nonini’s song “Kumekucha”
