Afrovalentine

Afrovalentine (Valentine Mbassa) inherited natural talent from his great grandfather Mbassa Muhumba Mtelegani who was one of the respected and well known traditional Ngoma players as well as traditional music singer in 1910 and years after.This took place in Ukerewe Island, a region of Mwanza.

When Valentine entered primary school at the age of 7 he started music in Sunday schools as a percussionist and singer. The inspiration from his great grandfather music talent gave him a natural and free feel for music.After school, he decided to join with Zawose Spirit Band, a group from the legacy of Dr.Hukwe Ubi Zawose, led by Sinaubi Zawose and his father Lukas Ubi Zawose in 2018.

Valentine was playing traditional Ngoma and singing prior to that time,though presently he is in Zawose Spirit Band but does his own projects as well, recognizing officially as Afrovalentine.

Meanwhile in October of 2018 he participated at the Institute of Art and Culture Bagamoyo (TaSuBa). This kept the ideas he had for music alive and well and kept him pushing forward at it continuously. His music has now blended from all of his influences, creatively expressing African traditional music while mixing with modern instruments.He plays percussions and vocal singing in Swahili, English, Hehe and Kerewe (Vernacular languages from Tanzania). His songs are a direct reflection of his love for his culture passed down from previous generations, leaving a positive influence on anyone who comes into contact with this genre of music. All these experiences have lead him to want to participate in more music events and keep these types of music alive for future generations.