- Talented coastal acts Dennis Antony Kick Master (Master Wazim), Mohamed Katana (Mfalme Mooher), and Nasib Ibrahim—Nas Wadanta (Nas-b) have reunited in what seems to be a significant effort to reclaim their fanbase.
- The three artists are part of the Watu Wazim music group that dominated coastal music airwaves roughly two decades ago.
- Then based in Mombasa, the group produced a string of hit songs including Tumezinduka that are still fresh in fans’ memory.
Watu Wazim’s Dominance of Coast Showbiz
Master and his associates once dominated a vast musical territory along the Kenyan Coast packed with adoring fans supporting their craft.
Watu Wazim enjoyed intense popularity during the mid-2000s to early 2010s, before the explosion of social media, content sharing, and streaming platforms in Kenya.
Kenya’s music scene was then tightly controlled by gatekeepers and promoters who decided which songs and artists made it to the public. While music Compact Discs (CDs) littered the streets, artists thronged radio stations to seek airplay for their songs.
Alongside other groups like Jacugaz and Wawindaji, Watu Wazim demonstrated remarkable songwriting and delivered exceptional performances, making them an instant success.
Propelled by a highly receptive fan base, Watu Wazim rode the airwaves thanks to their consecutive Swahili hit songs. Some of the songs the group is well known for include:
- Tumezinduka
- Funiko La Mwaka
- Twawangoja
- Tunajimwaga
Their shrewd workmanship effectively helped them carve out a niche for themselves, establishing them as the undisputed big dogs of the coastal entertainment scene.
Mfalme Mooher’s powerful vocals, Kick Master’s excellent songwriting, and Wadanta’s lyrical prowess gave the group the all-important chemistry and commanding presence.
Watu Wazim’s bangers were the go-to songs at local joints and social events, including the then-popular disco vumbi extravaganzas.
At their peak, Watu Wazim would easily give influential groups like Tanzania’s Yamoto Band a run for their money.
Watu Wazim’s Lengthy Disappearance From the Music Scene
However, Wazim gradually faded from the scene, along with other artists from what is regarded as the “golden era” of modern music on the Kenyan coast.
Influential musical acts like Escobar Babake, Jacugaz, Dady Selle, Fat S, Fisherman, and Sav Clan disappeared from the music scene in a long hiatus that left fans stranded.
Most of these artists believe that the explosion of technology is one of the factors that threw them off-balance.
Music streaming platforms, for example, revolutionized the marketing, distribution, and monetization of music, moving away from traditional CD sales.
Unfortunately, the heavy hitters couldn’t seize the opportunity and were swiftly overshadowed by emerging, talented, and astute artists.
A few artists from the cohort survived the wave including the high-flying Ngangari Kinoma hitmaker Yusuf Kombo alias Susumila, Rojo Mo, and Chikuzee.
These artists sporadically released songs keeping their fans engaged and their brands alive.
Watu Wazim Members Close Ranks Seeking to Make a Comeback
After the enforced break from showbiz, Wazim became temporarily inactive as the artists pursued other endeavors except for Master.
Master, who doubles up as a music producer continued plying his trade at his studio, recording a dozen solo projects and for other artists.
Mfalme Mooher appeared to be heavily engaged in Qatar in the Middle East. Little was known of Nas Wadanta, who decided to go completely Missing in Action (MIA).
Fans, however, finally breathe a sigh of relief as the group appears to be back in action, stronger than ever. The resolute producer Master Wazim has rekindled the chemistry among the trio, and they’re ready to reclaim their long-lost prestige.
Wazim has been on a revitalized campaign for the past three years, producing several songs along the way. To kick off their resurgent phase, two-thirds of the trio came together for Funiko La Mwaka, a hit that reminisces their trademark style of music.
The song was written by the skillful producer Master who is also the de facto leader of the group. With Mfalme Mooher conspicuously missing, Nas Wadanta came in with a fire chorus and verse announcing the grand return of Watu Wazim.
Mooher joined in a little later and the group was finally fully constituted once again.
Wazim Maintain They Have Always Been Together
In a past interview on Mombasa’s Mo Radio, the group insisted they have been together even during their lengthy break out of mainstream entertainment.
The artists were born and raised in the same hood of VOK in Mombasa’s Bombolulu area, making it easier for them to work together as family friends.
Watu Wazim have released a series of songs from an Extended Play (EP), signifying their full return to the music scene.
Their now-awoken fanbase has well-received their latest songs which include:
- Iweke
- Nikugande
- Funiko La Mwaka
- Analimwaga
- Belinda
Wazim’s latest song titled Kidude produced by Master Wazim was released 2 weeks ago. The song masterfully blends Swahili with the Coastal Mijikenda dialect, as showcased in Master’s captivating intro.
Mooher and Wadanta chip in with engaging verses that reflect the current mainstream pop culture.
Credible reports suggest that the trio is heavily involved outside the recording studio, shooting music videos for their latest EP.
Wazim’s return comes with great promise, signaling the possible resurgence of the beloved golden era of modern coastal music.
Alongside Watu Wazim, other big names from the bygone era scramble to make a comeback to the scene. Notable names include the talented Escober Babake, Happy C of Wawindaji, and Farid Ali from the legendary Jacugaz Music Group.
Their most powerful strategy is to evoke nostalgia in fans with outstanding remixes of their previous hit songs. Jacugaz, for instance, brought in fellow artist Happy C for a remix of their hit song Nawaka.
Watu Wazim are set to release a remix of Tumezinduka, a song which in their own admission paid their bills back in the day.
Wazim have also updated their group name to Watu Wazim_a, to reflect their more mature and insightful approach in their return to the spotlight.