Mex Cortez is a Tanzanian hip-hop artist renowned for his bilingual lyricism in Kiswahili and English, blending cultural narratives with modern sounds. Rising to prominence with his debut album Monsoon Winds, he has become a key voice in East Africa’s music scene, celebrated for introspective storytelling and genre-defying collaborations.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Mex Cortez |
| Date of Birth | August 11 |
| Place of Birth | Sri Lanka (raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) |
| Nationality | Tanzanian (of Sri Lankan descent) |
| Occupations | Hip-hop artist, lyricist, bilingual songwriter |
| Labels | Independent (self-produced works; early collaboration with 41 Records for Bad News mixtape) |
| Net Worth |
Early Life and Education
Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Mex Cortez developed a passion for hip-hop during his teenage years.
Inspired by artists like Eminem and Tanzania’s One the Incredible, he began crafting lyrics in Kiswahili while attending Mzizima High School. His talent first gained attention at the 2014 Mzizima’s Fiesta talent show, where he showcased his distinctive flow.
Career
Cortez’s breakthrough came with his 2014 mixtape Bad News, produced by 41 Records, which earned praise from industry heavyweights like Lufu and AY. He later founded his own studio to refine his sound independently.
His 2022 debut album, Monsoon Winds, explores themes of identity and resilience, featuring standout tracks such as My Name (featuring Arzoo) and Raw Uncut (with Nikki Mbishi). Notable collaborations include work with Fid-Q and AY Masta on singles like FUNDI.
Personal Life
Mex Cortez keeps details about his romantic relationships and family private, focusing public attention on his artistic journey. His music often reflects his multicultural upbringing, weaving Tanzanian and Sri Lankan influences into his lyrics.
Mex Cortez Net Worth
Mex Cortez is an independent artist with with an estimated net worth of around $50,000 – $200,000, his income likely derives from streaming revenue, live performances, and creative partnerships.
Discography
Albums
- Monsoon Winds
- Kimeumana
- Afro Vacation
- Boyz in Blue
Mixtapes
- Bad News
Singles & Notable Tracks
- Fundi
- Mi Noma
- Expendables Cypher
- Manimendra
- Holy Flow 2
- Barbender 7
- Let It Burn
- Maria
- Bars 101
- Waka
Collaborations
- FUNDI
- Lessons
- Now
