Dudu Baya's Biography, Age, Spouse, Tribe, Real Name, Networth , Songs and Lifestyle Wikidata | Claim this profile Bet and Win Big

Dudu Baya's Biography in Summary

Godfrey Tumaini, also known as Dudu Baya, was born in Mwanza as the thirteenth of thirteen children. He spent much of his youth working and singing in church when he wasn't in school. In 1998, Godfrey traveled to Morogoro to attend the seminary and realize his dream of becoming a priest. But something had changed after four years... he decided to leave the seminary and study architecture at the local university. His eyes were opened to another world as his focus shifted from priestly studies to college town clubs. Dudu Baya vividly recalls his first nightclub experience, Morogoro's Mango Garden. "I'd never seen such a densely packed crowd move as one." It was the music that was energizing them."
Godfrey was introduced to rap and his "king" Tupac Shakur in 1997. He began writing his own lyrics and developing his style under the alias "Double G" (Godfrey Gangster). They were invited to perform on stage while attending a Mr. Too concert with another aspiring rapper, Suloemain Msindi a.k.a. Afande Sele. Afande Sele declined the invitation, so "Double G" took the stage and rapped over a UK beat to a standing ovation. Mr. Too, Tanzania's biggest rapper at the time, invited him to join his tour... and Dudu Baya's musical career began. "Double G" had studied architecture for two years, but music was now his passion. 

Dudu Baya was the arch-musical-enemy of Mr Nice during their time

He relocated to Dar es Salaam to work as an architect for the Precious Blood Mission and to record music under the name Dudu Baya. Father Francisco, the Mission's Director, was a strong supporter of his musical "calling" and has remained so throughout his life.

Dudu Baya's lyrics are often personal, thought-provoking, and inspired. His songs, which reflect on current issues, challenge the listener to be accountable for their actions. And the breathtaking beats underneath indicate that he has just the formula to get them to listen.

Mwanangu Huna Nidhamu, Dudu Baya's first single, was produced in 2000 at Master Jay (MJ) Records in Dar es Salaam and told the story of a loving father and his unappreciative, disrespectful son. 
The message of this song appealed to an older audience as well as young fans, and it helped them communicate with their children. It was a smash hit that established Dudu Baya as a man on a mission. He quickly enlisted the help of MJ Records and Sound Craft Studios to produce his debut album, Ni Saa Ya Kufa Kwangu ("My Time to Die"). Both the title track and Dege La JeshI, which tells the story of a "Malaya" (promiscuous woman) who uses HIV as a weapon against men, feature Dudu Baya's take on HIV. Dudu Baya was asked to perform at Summer Jam 2000 (now called Clouds Fiesta) as the momentum was building. 
 

It was his first big live show, and the audience loved it. Calls from promoters poured in, and he spent the rest of the year touring Tanzania.

In 2001, MJ Records produced Dudu Baya's second album. Amri Kumi (10) Za Mungu. ("10 Commandments") was a spiritually charged, hardcore rap album featuring Tupa Mawe and Kunguru Ha Fugiki. Another nationwide tour followed, with Dudu Baya performing in front of large crowds.

Despite a busy touring schedule in 2002, Dudu Baya found time to visit MJ Records' studio and record his hit single, Nakupenda Tu.

Dudu Baya Halla was widely acclaimed when it was released in 2003. Mpangaji, Kulusumu, and Sikutaka, all featuring the Unique Sisters, were hit songs.

Dudu Baya's popularity in East and Central Africa has grown as a result of his constant touring in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Comoro, and Zambia.

Travels throughout Kenya influenced his 2004 release, Papo Kwa Papo (Tit for Tat), which was produced by legendary Finnish producer Miikka Mwamba Kari. Dudu Baya's hardcore rap style gave way to singing, fusing the conscious lyricism of Tanzanian bongo flava with the irresistible rhythmic grooves beloved of East Africa, with a dash of Kenyan dialect thrown in for good measure. Nimondoca was inspired by his son's love, with a memorable video shot in the Tegeta Precious Blood church, and the irresistible love song Mpensi has become a massive hit on dancefloors and radio stations all over East Africa.

Between 2006 and 2007, five singles were released: Ruka Ruka, Manundu, Wela Wela, Sambusa, and, most recently, Nakupenda.

The 2008 album by Dudu Baya was produced at No End Entertainment in Uganda, Ogopa DJs Studios in Kenya, Edges Records in Tanzania, and Art In Tanzania Studio, where it was also mastered by Benjamin and Miikka Mwamba Kari. "I was really incorporating an East African sound on this album," Dudu explained. 

Dudu Baya's style is evolving as a result of his work with the Finnish-Tanzanian NGO Art in Tanzania's Mzuka Records, where, in addition to promoting the charity's fundraising concerts and mentoring young artists, he has also recorded a wealth of new material, drawing on both his own experiences of life in Africa and the funkiest beats the continent has to offer to deliver a real message you can move to.

Mziki wa kizazi kipya (music for a new generation) is created by Dudu Baya. "I don't want to release slow music," he says, "but I do want to give them what they need, music that makes them feel good."