Tanzanian Reggae and Dancehall artist based in Dar es Salaam. Malfred's forthcoming album "Hisia Zangu" will be out in February 2012. The album is produced by Alec Burton and will be released by Maisha Music Tanzania.
Malfred (Born Michael Alfred Mwasote, 1985, Arusha, Tanzania)
Malfred spent his childhood moving from different regions around Tanzania with his family. His talent in music was very obvious from early age. He loved to listen to Congolese/Lingala music, and started to copy his favourite songs. Another great influence for Malfred has been Bob Marley, which was also very popular in Tanzania in Malfred's early years, and from here his love and passion for reggae music started to grow.
When Malfred moved to Arusha, his musical curiosity turned towards Bongo Flava/HipHop. In 1999 Profesa Jay released the hit single "Chemsha Bongo". Like many others, Malfred got inspired by the song and started to write his own lyrics and songs. Malfred started taking part in concerts and local talent competitions around Arusha Town and from these performances his popularity grew fast. In 2003 he moved to Dar es Salaam to record his first single titled "Napenda" at Nash records. Towards the end of that year he met with a producer known as DX from Noizmaker production and started recording more songs.
Malfred's breakthrough came in 2007/2008, when he took part in Tanzania's biggest TV show competition Bongo Star Search. Late 2008 he recorded a song with Roots Riders, a reggae band from The Netherlands. He continued recording in different studios located in Arusha and Dar es Salaam to complete his first album titled "Maisha Haya" which was released in 2009. In 2009/2010 Malfred teamed up with Roger Lucas from Bongo Star Search and started performing in various venues around Dar es Salaam. Since November 2010 Malfred has been an active member of M Band, that was established through Music Lab studios including artists like Ben Pol, Grace Matata and Tecla Kituli, they are performing at various venues around Dar Es Salaam.
Malfred is now working on promoting singles from his second album, which is scheduled for release by Maisha Music in February 2012. The new album has been recorded and produced by Alec Burton in Dar es Salaam.