Seif Mwinijuma Haji, better known by his stage name Sholo Mwamba (Sholo the Rock), is a Tanzanian music artist specializing in Bongo Flava. Born on February 5, 1992, in Ilala CBD, Dar es Salaam, he became an orphan at a young age—his mother, born in 1961, passed away in 1995, and his father, born in 1948, passed away in 2021. Sholo Mwamba attended Kijitonyama Kisiwani Primary School from 2000 to 2006 and Oysterbay Secondary School from 2007 to 2010. He began his music career in the streets while still in school in 2011. Known for his unique style called “Singeli,” which he popularized, Sholo Mwamba has played a significant role in elevating the genre, which originated from street culture. The term “Singeli” is named after Kisingeli, a dancer who contributed to the genre’s development. By 2015, Singeli had reached new heights in popularity, thanks in part to Sholo Mwamba’s efforts and support from other major Bongo artists. Sholo Mwamba has released many popular songs, helping to establish “Singeli Flava” under his stage name. In 2023, he released an extended playlist featuring six tracks created in collaboration with prominent local artists, aiming to keep Singeli music alive among listeners from modest backgrounds. One of his notable collaborations was with the acclaimed artist Prof. Jay on the song “Kazi Kazi,” which received widespread acclaim.
