Mbaraka Mwinshehe Mwaruka (1944–1979) was a Tanzanian musical pioneer and one of the most beloved figures in East African dance music, or muziki wa dansi, during the 1960s and 70s.
A self-taught musician, Mwinshehe was an exceptionally gifted solo guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. His career took off when he dropped out of school and joined the famous Morogoro Jazz Band in 1964. He quickly became the band’s star, known for his innovative guitar style that fused diverse regional and international sounds.
In 1973, seeking broader opportunities, he moved to Kenya and formed his own group, Orchestre Super Volcano. Under his leadership, the band became one of the hottest acts in all of East Africa, thrilling audiences with hits like "Sina Makosa."
Mwinshehe's brilliant career was tragically cut short when he died in a motor accident in Mombasa, Kenya, in 1979, at just 34 years old. Despite his brief life, his work set a high bar for dance music in the region, and his recordings continue to be celebrated as timeless classics.