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Marioo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Marioo
Marioo MMMCXII EP Cover
Marioo MMMCXII EP Cover
Background information
Also known asToto Badi
Born
Omary Ally Mwanga

(1995-12-31) December 31, 1995 (age 30)
Temeke District, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
OriginDar es Salaam, Tanzania
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • Songwriter
  • Music Producer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Businessman
Instrumentsvocals, keyboard
Years active2015–present
LabelBad-Nation Limited
Partner
Paulah Kajala (2023-present)

Omary Ally Mwanga, known professionally as Marioo (born December 31, 1995), is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and music producer.[1][2] He is also the founder and CEO of his own record label, Bad Nation.[3][4] He is known for songs such as "Tete",[5] "Dunia", and "Nairobi" (featuring Kenyan artist Bien of Sauti Sol),[6] which recorded high streaming numbers across major digital platforms in Tanzania and Kenya, and was associated with Marioo's increased visibility in the East African music scene.[7][8]

Life and career

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Omary Mwanga was born in Temeke Dar es Salaam to Ndengereko parents from Pwani region of Tanzania.[9] He is the youngest of three children; his late father worked as a public transport conductor (kondakta), and his mother worked at a factory in Vingunguti. While he was still a young child, his parents sent him to live with his grandmother in Kibiti, Rufiji, located in Pwani region.[10]

Marioo attended primary school and began his secondary education in Kibiti, but due to various life challenges, he dropped out during his first year (Form One). Following his departure from school, he returned to Temeke, Dar es Salaam, to live with his mother again. Marioo worked manual jobs to earn a living, including working at a local informal food stall (mama ntilie) and as a motor vehicle mechanic at his uncle's garage before deciding to pursue a career in music.[9][11][12]

Early Career

[edit]

Following an extended period of struggling to establish himself in the music industry, Marioo successfully joined the Tanzania House of Talent (THT) managed by the late Ruge Mutahaba, who was then the Director of Production at Clouds Media. While training at THT, he networked with already established artists and began composing music for them. Marioo has written numerous hit records for mainstream Tanzanian artists, including "Bado" by Mwasiti, "Wasikudanganye" by Nandy, "Banana" by Dogo Janja, "Mchakamchaka" by Shilole, "Nampa Papa" by Gigy Money, "Pambe" by Christian Bella and "Nabembea" by Ditto.[10][13]

The song "Dar Kugumu" - which captures the real life struggles of hustling in Dar es Salaam was Marioo's breakout debut single in 2018. Upon its release, the track was well received by fans and made him a household name in Tanzania.[14][15]

Marioo went on to release other successful Bongo Flava singles such as "Raha", "Inatosha", "Asante", "For You", and "Anyinya, Chibonge, Ya Uchungu".[16]

In 2020, Marioo released his smash hit "Mama Amina", which was an Amapiano song infused with some elements of Bongo Flava. The song was ranked number 11 on the list of best Tanzanian songs of the decade ranging from 2012 to 2022.[17] His next Amapiano releases such as "Dear Ex", "Beer Tamu" and "Lonely" have marked his status as the king of Swahili Amapiano.[18][19][20]

In December 2021, Marioo released "Mi Amor" featuring Jovial from Kenya. The song also became a crossover hit with its visuals becoming the second most watched Tanzanian music video on Youtube in 2022.[21] Rolling Stone magazine ranked Marioo number 39 on its 40 Afropop songs of 2022.[22]

In 2022, Omary won 3 Tanzania Music Awards from 7 nominations including Best Bongo Flava Song and Best Male Bongo Flava Artist.[23]

Marioo released his debut album The Kid You Know on December 9, 2022.[24] The 17 track album saw Marioo working with different music heavyweights such as Rayvanny, Tyla, Harmonize, and Ali Kiba.

NotJustOk's and Tanzanian music journalist, Charles Maganga praised The Kid You Know by stating that the album has "established Marioo as a mega Bongo Fleva star" and acclaimed Marioo's versatility as "different musical styles such as Amapiano, Afrobeats, and R&B while remaining true to his Bongo Fleva".[25]

In May 2023, Marioo released The deluxe edition of The Kid You Know with three additional singles, "Sing", "Tomorrow", and "Tunamjua".[26]

In Spotify Wrapped 2024, Marioo emerged as the most listened to artist in Tanzania, outranking major regional stars. Additionally, his hit song "Hakuna Matata" claimed the top spot as the most streamed local track of the year across the country. [27]

On May 29, 2026, Marioo released his debut Extended Play (EP) titled MMMCXII, a title derived from Roman numerals representing his date of birth (December 31).[28] The EP marks a transition into a broader "Global African Sound", blending traditional Bongo Flava with Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, Francophone melodies, and 3-step rhythms.[29]

Personal life

[edit]

Marioo is a Muslim by religion. In 2023, Marioo was reported to have started dating influencer Paulah Kajala, the daughter of Bongo Movies actress Kajala Masanja and veteran music producer P-Funk Majani. [30][31]

The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Princess Amarah (Amara), on May 3, 2024.[32]

Other ventures

[edit]

Entrepreneurship

[edit]

In 2019, Marioo established Bad Nation as a multimedia company, which later transitioned into a full record label with the official signing of its first artist, Stans, on August 29, 2024.[33][34]

Endorsements and partnerships

[edit]

In February 2025, Marioo was officially announced as the national brand ambassador for the National Lottery of Tanzania (Bahati Nasibu ya Taifa), a campaign run by ITHUBA Tanzania aimed at promoting responsible gaming and empowering citizens.[35][36][37]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details
The Kid You Know [38]
  • Released: 9 December 2022
  • Label: Bad Nation / Ziiki Media
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
The Godson [39]
  • Released: 29 November 2024
  • Label: Bad Nation
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays

[edit]
Title EP details
MMMCXII [40]
  • Released: 29 May 2026
  • Label: Bad Nation
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Track listings

[edit]

The Kid You Know (2022)[38][41]

[edit]
No.TitleLength
1."My Life"3:12
2."Siwezi"3:24
3."Lonely" (with Abbah)3:45
4."Mapenzi"2:58
5."Only You" (featuring Jux)3:31
6."Hapana"3:05
7."Overdose" (featuring Ladipoe)3:18
8."Amawele" (with Tyla and Ch'cco)4:02
9."Mi Amor" (featuring Jovial)3:40
10."I Miss" (featuring Alikiba)3:52
11."Laga Laga" (featuring Dunnie)2:48
12."Naogopa" (featuring Harmonize)3:36
13."Anisamehe" (featuring Rayvanny)3:21
14."Djudju" (featuring Fik Fameica)2:55
15."Mwagia Ndani" (with Robot Boii and Native Deep featuring Tin Starkid)4:10
16."Dear Ex"2:45
17."Mi Amor (Remix)" (with Gaz Mawete and Jeeba)3:50
Total length:56:12

The Godson (2024)[39]

[edit]
No.TitleLength
1."Alhamdulillah"3:04
2."My Daughter"2:54
3."Sober" (featuring Alikiba)3:18
4."Nairobi" (featuring Bien)4:18
5."Dar es Salaam"2:48
6."Happiness" (featuring Kenny Sol)3:24
7."Salioo"3:14
8."Wangu" (featuring Harmonize)3:36
9."My Eyes" (featuring Patoranking)3:11
10."Pini" (featuring Aslay)2:54
11."Njozi" (featuring Element EleéeH)2:41
12."No One" (featuring King Promise)3:26
13."High" (featuring Joshua Baraka)3:08
14."Why"2:59
15."Hakuna Matata"3:06
16."UNANCHEKESHA (Move On)"2:53
17."Sawa"3:05
Total length:55:19

MMMCXII (2026)[40]

[edit]
No.TitleLength
1."Mombasa"2:43
2."Priority" (with Bruce Melodie)3:31
3."Doucement" (with Ya Levis)2:50
4."UA" (with Sofiya Nzau)3:21
5."SUGAR"2:22
6."Sugar (Remix)" (featuring Chella)2:41
7."Watu" (with D Voice)2:23
8."Pombe I" (with Harmonize)2:13
9."POMBE II (We Live Once)" (with BabyDaiz)2:44
Total length:24:48

Awards and nominations

[edit]
YearAward CeremonyCategoryNominated workResultRef.
2020 Sound City MVP Awards Best New MVPIndividualNominated[42]
2021 All Africa Music Awards Best NewcomerIndividualNominated[43]
Swahili Fashion Awards Stylish Music Video of the Year"Beer Tamu"Won[44]
2022 Tanzania Music Awards Song, bongo flava"Beer Tamu"Won[45]
Collaboration, African"Mi Amor"Nominated
Lyricist"Loyalty"Won
Composer, melody"Mi Amor"Nominated
Artist, bongo flava (male)IndividualWon
2024 Tanzania Music Awards Best Male Artist (Bongo Flava)IndividualWon[46]
Best Songwriter of the YearIndividualWon
Audiomack Tanzania Awards Most Streamed Artist of the YearIndividualWon[47]
2025 Trace Awards Best Artist - Eastern AfricaIndividualNominated[48]
Africa Arts Entertainment Awards (EAEA) Best East African Male ArtistIndividualNominated[49]
IAEA (Iconic & Anthemic) Awards Iconic Anthemic Hit"Nairobi"Nominated[50]
Iconic AlbumThe God SonNominated
Iconic Collaboration"Nairobi"Nominated
2026 AFRIMMA Best East African ArtistIndividualPending[51][52]

Critical reception and milestones

[edit]

In 2022, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Marioo's hit single "Mi Amor" at number 39 on its global list of the "40 Best Afropop Songs of 2022".[22][53]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "Umaarufu wa Marioo unakamilishwa na mambo haya". Mwananchi. 2025-11-17. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  2. ↑ "Marioo Biography and All New Songs 2025 - citiMuzik". 2025-04-03. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  3. ↑ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  4. ↑ "Marioo introduces new artiste as 'Bad Nation' transforms into a record label". The Citizen. 2024-08-29. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  5. ↑ "Marioo Drops a New Banger! "Tete" Hits 2.3 Million Views in Just 6 Days". mdundo.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  6. ↑ "Bien Reveals Marioo's Work Ethic, Focus Changed His Life". 2025-01-31. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  7. ↑ Adhis, Paula (2025-12-11). "The Best East African Songs of 2025". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  8. ↑ "Mbosso, Harmonize, Marioo lead with songs that dominated 2025". The Citizen. 2025-12-27. Retrieved 2026-01-15.
  9. 1 2 "Nitegemeo la masupastaa kwa kuwaandikia mistari" [I rely on leaders for writing verses]. Mwananchi (in Swahili). Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Mwananchi Communications. 18 August 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  10. 1 2 "Marioo kutoka kwa Mama Ntilie hadi studio". Mwanaspoti. 2021-05-18. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  11. ↑ LHX, TRANSSION:. "Mambo matano usiyoyafahamu kuhusu Marioo | Boombuzz". Boomplay Music - WebPlayer. Retrieved 2026-07-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  12. ↑ "Marioo, Bongo Flava's new star in the making". The Citizen (Tanzania). Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: The Citizen (Tanzania). 22 November 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  13. ↑ "Mimi Mars Asema Urafiki Wake na Marioo Unafanya Kazi Kuwa Rahisi – Video". Global Publishers. 2022-06-01. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  14. ↑ "Dar Kugumu - Marioo | Release Info". AllMusic. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  15. ↑ Godson, Asiama (2023-08-21). "Marioo Biography, Music, Videos, Booking". ProfileAbility. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  16. ↑ "Marioo All songs". DJ Mwanga. 2024-01-11. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  17. ↑ "The 100 best Tanzanian songs of the decade: 2012 – 2022 | Notjustok". Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video – Notjustok. 2023-09-26. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  18. ↑ "Marioo ends Diamond Platnumz's dominance on Spotify charts". The Citizen. 2022-12-05. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  19. ↑ "BongoPiano: Fad or long-lasting musical genre". Mpasho. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  20. ↑ "Marioo claims to be the pioneer of Swahili Amapiano | Notjustok East Africa". Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video – Notjustok. 2021-09-16. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  21. ↑ "10 Most Watched Music Videos In Tanzania In 2022 On Youtube". Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video – Notjustok. 2023-01-03. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  22. 1 2 Wangeci, Mankaprr Conteh,Tami Makinde,Madzadza Miya,Seni Saraki,Tela (2022-12-28). "The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2022". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2026-01-17.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  23. ↑ Milimo, Dennis (4 April 2022). "Alikiba, Harmonize and Nandy win big at Tanzania Music Awards". PulseLive. Nairobi, Kenya: PulseLive Kenya. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  24. ↑ "Marioo The Kid You Know Album Review: The Mix Of Bongofleva, Afrobeat And Amapiano Collaborations Of Wakali Wa Africa". JamiiForums. 9 December 2022. Retrieved 2022-12-12.
  25. ↑ "Review: Best Songs in "The Kid You Know Album" by Marioo". 11 December 2022.
  26. ↑ Kevoo (2023-05-16). "Marioo – The Kid You Know (Deluxe Edition) Album MP3 DOWNLOAD". Retrieved 2023-05-21.
  27. ↑ "Marioo maintains his dominance as the most-listened artiste on Spotify Tanzania". The Citizen. 2024-12-05. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  28. ↑ "Marioo drops star-studded global EP, 'MMMCXII'". The Citizen. 2026-05-29. Retrieved 2026-06-13.
  29. ↑ Annor, Richard Ayim (2026-05-29). "Marioo Announces 9-Track EP MMMCXII". Blue Radio. Retrieved 2026-06-13.
  30. ↑ "Marioo kachagua kusimama na Paula katika vita zote". Mwananchi. 2024-02-26. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  31. ↑ "Marioo, Paula ni uhusiano wa faida kazini". Mwananchi. 2024-11-08. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  32. ↑ "Marioo, Paula waonyesha sura ya mtoto wao kwa mara ya kwanza". Mwanaspoti. 2025-05-03. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  33. ↑ "Marioo introduces new artiste as 'Bad Nation' transforms into a record label". The Citizen. 2024-08-29. Retrieved 2026-07-30.
  34. ↑ "Marioo atambulisha msanii, afata nyayo za Diamond, Alikiba, Nandy". Mwananchi. 2024-08-29. Retrieved 2026-07-30.
  35. ↑ "Marioo balozi mpya Bahati Nasibu ya Taifa". Mwananchi. 2025-02-15. Retrieved 2026-07-30.
  36. ↑ "Marioo balozi mpya Bahati Nasibu ya Taifa". JamiiForums Tanzania. 2025-02-25. Retrieved 2026-07-30.
  37. ↑ "Marioo atangazwa rasmi Balozi wa Bahati Nasibu ya Taifa | Nipashe". ippmedia.co.tz. Retrieved 2026-07-30.
  38. 1 2 "The Kid You Know by Marioo". Genius. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  39. 1 2 "The Godson by Marioo". Genius. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  40. 1 2 "MMMCXII by Marioo". Genius. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  41. ↑ "Spotify – Web Player". Spotify. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  42. ↑ "Sound City MVP Awards 2020 Winners". Wikipedia. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  43. ↑ "AFRIMA 2021 Nominees List". Wikipedia. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  44. ↑ "Swahili Fashion Week: Celebrating TZ@60 in style". The Citizen. 2021-12-10. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  45. ↑ "Tanzania Music Awards 2022 Winners". TMA. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  46. ↑ Matiko, Tomas (October 27, 2024). "A night of the stars at Super Dome Masaki: TMA 2024 Winners". The EastAfrican. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  47. ↑ "Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) on X". X (formerly Twitter). 2024-12-21. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  48. ↑ "Trace Awards 2025 Nominations". Trace Awards.
  49. ↑ "EAEA 2025 Nominees Announced". EAEA News. January 2025.
  50. ↑ "IAEA Awards 2025 Nominees List". TikTok.
  51. ↑ "Tanzania leads East Africa at AFRIMMA 2026 with 11 nominated artistes". The Citizen. 2026-07-14. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  52. ↑ Sobowale, Adetutu (2026-07-15). "FULL LIST: Davido, Peller, Tems, Burna Boy, others nominated as AFRIMMA returns after two-year break". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2026-07-29.
  53. ↑ https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/entertainment/marioo-the-only-bongo-flava-artist-on-rollingstone-top-40-4072972
[edit]
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