Juma Mrisho

Country	Tanzania

Juma Mrisho was a prominent Tanzanian vocalist and composer who became a leading figure in East African Muziki wa Dansi (Tanzanian rumba) during the late 20th century. His early career included stints with foundational ensembles such as the Rufiji Jazz Band and Ahmed Kipande's Kilwa Jazz Band, before he went on to lead the Urafiki Jazz Band, a group sponsored by the Urafiki textile mill. He is best known for his later work with major national institutional ensembles, most notably the DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra and Juata Jazz (which later became Ottu Jazz). Renowned for his smooth vocal delivery and poetic Swahili compositions, his hit songs like "Msondo Ngoma" and "Kauli ya Mzee" established him as a foundational artist in the preservation of the classic Zilizopendwa sound.