Artists

Mama C and The Fusion Band is a powerful musical collective based in Arusha, Tanzania, known for blending traditional African sounds with contemporary genres to create music that is both culturally rooted and globally resonant. Founded and fronted by Charlotte Hill O’Neal, widely known as Mama C or Iya Osotunde Fasuyi, the band reflects her lifelong commitment to art, activism, and community empowerment.

Born in Kansas City, Kansas (USA), Mama C joined the Black Panther Party at the age of 18 and, along with her husband Pete O’Neal, relocated to Tanzania in 1972 as part of the global Pan-African movement. In 1991, they co-founded the United African Alliance Community Center (UAACC) in Imbaseni Village, just outside Arusha—a grassroots institution offering free arts, education, and vocational training for local youth. This legacy of community work deeply informs the mission and message of Mama C and The Fusion Band.

The band's sound is a rich fusion of African tradition and modern innovation, featuring an array of instruments from across the continent, including Kamalen ngoni (West Africa) Nyatiti and Obokano (Kenya), Zeze and Kalimba (East and Southern Africa), Berimbau (Afro-Brazilian), Traditional African percussion alongside guitars, keyboards, drum kits, and electronic elements.

Layered with soulful vocals, spoken word poetry, and hip-hop influences, the music tackles vital themes such as Social justice and liberation, Gender equality, Cultural identity and pride, Environmental awareness, Intergenerational and cross-cultural dialogue

While firmly rooted in Tanzanian soil, the band’s reach extends globally. They have performed for local villages, urban festivals, international conferences, and diaspora gatherings across Africa, Europe, and the United States. Whether on a festival stage or in a rural classroom, Mama C and The Fusion Band delivers performances that are soulful, energetic, and deeply human.