Professor Jay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Professor Jay
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| Member of Parliament of Mikumi Constituency | |
| In office November 2015 – October 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Abdulsalaam Amer |
| Succeeded by | Denis Londo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 December 1975 Songea |
| Nationality | Tanzanian |
| Political party | CHADEMA |
| Children | Lisa Joseph |
| Occupation | |
| Musical career | |
| Genres |
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| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | Mwanalizombe Studios |
| Associated acts | Hard Blasters, Lady Jaydee, Diamond Platnumz, Juma Nature, Inspector Haroun, Black Rhino, Harmonize, Simple X, Q Chillah, A.Y., Mangwair, Taff B. |
Joseph Haule (born December 29, 1975), known by his stage name Professor Jay, is a famous Tanzanian hip hop artist and politician. He served as a member of the Tanzanian parliament for the Mikumi area.
Professor Jay is a major figure in the Tanzanian hip hop style called "Bongo Flava." This music blends American hip hop with Tanzanian culture. The lyrics are often in the Swahili language. His songs often talk about important social topics in Tanzania, like health, fairness, and how the government works.
Contents
Musical Journey
Early Career with Hard Blasters
Joseph Haule began his music career in 1989. He joined a rap group called Hard Blasters. At that time, he used the stage name ... J. The group became famous for their hit song "Chemsha Bongo."
Their first album was called "Funga Kazi." Just one year after it came out, Hard Blasters won an award for the best hip-hop group in Tanzania. This showed that they were one of the most talented groups in the country.
Going Solo and Finding Success
In 2001, Professor Jay started his solo career. He released many popular songs, including "Nikusaidiaje" and "Zali la Mentali." He quickly became one of Tanzania's most popular hip hop artists, along with other pioneers like Mr. II.
His music often carried strong messages. In one song, he pretended to be a politician making promises he couldn't keep. The song's chorus, "Ndio Mzee" (which means "Yes Sir"), showed how people can sometimes follow leaders without questioning them. The song was so powerful that even the president of Tanzania mentioned its lyrics in a speech.
Professor Jay's first solo album was "Machozi, Jasho na Damu." It was a huge success and won him several awards. His second album, "Mapinduzi halisi," also won an award for the best hip-hop album in Tanzania.
Political Career
Professor Jay decided to enter politics to help his community more directly. In the 2015 Tanzanian general election, he ran for a seat in parliament. He represented the Mikumi area for the CHADEMA political party.
He won the election and served as a Member of Parliament from November 2015 to October 2020. In this role, he worked to represent the people of his community in the national government. He was not reelected in 2020.
Personal Life
Joseph Haule was born in Songea, Tanzania. He comes from a musical family. His younger brothers are also musicians, including the well-known rapper Black Rhino.
In early 2022, it was reported that Professor Jay was in the hospital dealing with health problems.
Discography
Professor Jay has released several albums throughout his career.
Solo Albums
- Machozi Jasho na Damu (2001)
- Mapinduzi Halisi (2003)
- J.O.S.E.P.H (2006)
- Aluta Continua (2007)
- Izack mangesho (2014)
- Kazi Kazi (2016)
Awards and Recognition
Professor Jay has won many awards for his music. These awards celebrate his talent as an artist and songwriter.
Awards Won
- 2004 Tanzania Music Awards: Best Hip Hop Album for "Mapinduzi Halisi"
- 2006 Tanzania Music Awards: Best Song for Nikusaidiaje
- 2006 Kisima Music Awards: Best Tanzanian Song for Nikusaidiaje
- 2007 Kisima Music Awards: Best Ugandan Song for Sivyo Ndiviyo (with Chameleone)
- 2007 Pearl of Africa Music Awards: Best Male Artist (Tanzania)
- 2009 Tanzania Music Awards: Best Songwriter
Nominations
- 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards: Nominated for Best Hip Hop
