John Simon Mseke, popularly known by his stage name Joh Makini, is a prominent Tanzanian hip hop artist, songwriter, and composer. He is widely recognized as one of Tanzania’s top hip hop performers and leads his own record label, Makini Music. Joh Makini is also a key member of the hip hop group Weusi, through which he has significantly influenced the East African music scene.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | John Simon Mseke |
| Date of Birth | March 27, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Arusha, Tanzania |
| Nationality | Tanzanian |
| Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Occupations | Rapper, Songwriter, Composer, Record Label CEO |
| Labels | Makini Music, Wanene Music |
| Net Worth | $1.5 million |
Early Life and Education
Joh Makini was born on March 27, 1980, in Arusha, Tanzania. He grew up in a family with four siblings, including his younger brother Nikki Wa Pili, who is also an established rapper.
From a young age, Joh Makini’s passion for music grew, and he was actively involved in the local music scene in Dar es Salaam.
Although details about his formal education are scarce, his early experiences and exposure to music helped shape his artistic career.
Career
Joh Makini began his music career in the mid-1990s, but his breakthrough came in 2006 with the release of the hit single “Chochote Popote,” which catapulted him to fame in the Tanzanian hip hop scene.
His debut album, “Zamu Yangu,” released the same year, included popular tracks like “Hao,” “Tomorrow,” and “Kama Kawa.” In 2012, Joh Makini formed the group Weusi alongside his brother Nikki Wa Pili and other artists, gaining recognition through live performances across Tanzania.
Around 2014, Joh Makini expanded his influence across Africa by collaborating with renowned artists such as Nigeria’s Davido and Chidinma, and South Africa’s late rapper AKA.
The collaboration with AKA on the track “Don’t Bother” became widely successful and earned him a nomination at the African Entertainment Awards USA.
In 2021, Weusi released their first collective album, “Air Weusi,” accompanied by a national tour in Tanzania.
Personal Life
Joh Makini tends to keep his personal life out of the public eye. While he has been rumored to have relationships with some prominent Tanzanian artists, no official public confirmation about his partner or children exists.
He shares a strong bond with his family, especially his rapper brother Nikki Wa Pili.
Net Worth
Joh Makini’s net worth is estimated at around $1.5 million, gained through his music career, business ventures including his record label, and various collaborations across the African music industry.
Selected Discography
- Zamu Yangu (2006)
- Air Weusi (with Weusi, 2021)
- Notable singles include “Chochote Popote,” “Don’t Bother” (feat. AKA), “Perfect Combo” (feat. Chidinma), and “Kata Leta” (feat. Davido)
- Other well-known songs are “Hao,” “Tomorrow,” “Kama Kawa,” “Ufalme,” “Muda,” and “Niaje ni Vipi”
Awards and Nominations
- Winner of Best Hip Hop Artist at Tanzania Music Awards (2011)
- Nominated for the African Entertainment Awards USA for “Don’t Bother”
- Joh Makini is acknowledged as a leading figure in the Tanzanian and East African hip hop community
