Eddie ‘Aydee’ Dumba, a member of the renowned singing group Ngoni, recently shared the fascinating story of how their musical journey began in the early 1990s. The group, initially formed by four close male friends during their secondary school days, quickly gained recognition for their unique blend of Swahili, English, and Luganda in their songs.
The name “Ngoni” was inspired by the struggles and experiences the group faced in their pursuit of stardom. Drawing inspiration from the South African tribe that migrated to Tanzania between 1820 and 1840, the name became synonymous with their music, earning them airplay on Tanzanian media outlets and popularity in urban centers.
Aydee Dumba reminisced about Ngoni’s first studio experience in 1996, highlighting the challenges of that era, including the lack of a copy of their inaugural song. Despite the absence of a recording, Dumba expressed a desire to obtain the song for sentimental reasons.
Interestingly, he recalled that Radio Simba’s Omulangira Ndausi possesses the sought-after song. However, when approached for a copy, Ndausi requested payment, creating a hurdle for Dumba in reclaiming this piece of their musical history.
The story of Ngoni’s inception and early struggles serves as a testament to the resilience and camaraderie that fueled their journey to becoming a prominent musical force in East Africa.