I am Msafiri Zawose, a Tanzanian musician dedicated to preserving and innovating the vibrant Gogo musical traditions of my heritage. As the son of the legendary Dr. Hukwe Zawose, I grew up immersed in the rich sounds of our culture, mastering traditional instruments while curating a family ensemble that continues our musical legacy.

I perform solo, in duo setups, or with my family band, bringing to life a broad palette of instruments:

Zeze – a plucked and bowed string instrument, reinvented from a small 1–2 string version into a 14-string instrument capable of melodic and harmonic depth

Ilimba (Gogo thumb piano) – expanded and refined by my father to include more scales and tonal possibilities

Marimba – resonant wooden keys producing earthy, vibrant melodies

Ngoma – African drums that anchor rhythm and movement

Ndono and Fririmbi – traditional percussive and wind instruments adding color, texture, and ancestral soundscapes

My performances are immersive and versatile, ranging from fully traditional acoustic sets to fusion and electronic adaptations, creating experiences that honor cultural roots while engaging contemporary audiences.

I have shared my music on every continent except two, performing at world stages including:

WOMAD (twice), one of the most prestigious world music festivals

International venues in Asia, Europe, Americas and beyond

I have been recognized as the Best Traditional Musician in Tanzania, and I collaborate with international producers to create hybrid traditional/electronic music, bringing the Gogo sound to global audiences.

With a deep commitment to professionalism, creativity, and cultural authenticity, each performance is curated to transport audiences, celebrate Tanzanian heritage, and resonate across musical boundaries.