Marijani Rajabu

Full name	Marijani Rajabu

Marijani Rajabu was one of Tanzania’s greatest dance music icons. He was born on March 3, 1955, in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam, with family roots in Kigoma. His music career started early. In 1970, at just 15 years old, he joined STC Jazz under guitarist Raphael Sabuni.

While with STC Jazz, Rajabu traveled to Nairobi to record songs under Philips Records. Band conflicts forced him to leave soon after. In 1972, he joined The Trippers, led by David Musa. Under Rajabu's influence, the group renamed itself Safari Trippers. They became a huge hit and released popular songs like "Rosa Nenda Shule" and "Georgina," which both sold over 10,000 copies.

Internal disputes broke up Safari Trippers. In 1976, Rajabu and his former bandmates started Dar es Salaam International, owned by Mzee Zakaria Ndabemeye. Clashes with Abel Balhazar got Rajabu kicked out of the band. He returned in 1978, brought in new talent, and adopted the Super Bomboka style. He even released a satirical song called "Kidudu Mtu" about his feud with Balhazar. Old equipment and other issues caused the band to split in 1987.

Rajabu kept playing. He spent short periods with Kurugenzi ya Arusha, Mwenge Jazz, and Watafit. In 1987, he helped lead Tanzania All Stars. This group of over 50 musicians created songs to mark 10 years of CCM and 20 years of the Arusha Declaration. In 1994, he recorded with Eddy Sheggy. Later, he joined his final band, Mahepe Ngoma Ya Wajanja, owned by Rodgers Malila.

Marijani Rajabu died on March 23, 1995. Music fans in Tanzania and across East Africa still remember him for his great songs.