The Birth of a Legend

Hukwe Zawose’s success began in the 70s when the socialist President Nyerere was travelling through his village and heard his music. At that time Hukwe was a humble goat herder, but left his village to move to the luscious Bagamoyo coast and at the request of the President became his official musician. From there Hukwe began to build his musical career, travelling abroad to showcase the unique music of the Wagogo tribes.

Albums, world tours and record contracts quickly followed, as Hukwe and his family became stars, travelling to Japan, the US, and all over Europe. Signed to Peter Gabriel’s Real World Records, the Zawoses recorded several albums encompassing, in the words of Gabriel himself: ‘most of the most beautiful music we have ever put out on Real World Records.’ As the good times rolled, the family expanded greatly, Hukwe had 7 wives and over 40 children. He taught them the music of his ancestors.

After touring America in 2003, Hukwe died suddenly from AIDS.