Ison Mistari, aka Zenji Boy is a new light in Zanzibar’s hiphop scene. His song-writing is critical and conscious, with powerful lyrics and messages that deeply resonate with his Swahili-speaking audience. Ison Mistari’s live performances are highly energetic and his lyrical skills widely feared. He has earned respect and appreciation at home and abroad for the fact he usually performs live, which sadly is still the exception across Tanzania and most of the East African region.

Ison Mistari’s works were first released independently, generating an enthusiastic following in Zanzibar. Since signing with Stone Town Records and in more recent projects, he expands horizons by bringing more unique musical flavours to the mix. Incorporating traditional Zanzibari sounds with contemporary urban beats, he builds bridges connecting ancient and modern soundscapes.

Zenji Boy won Best Music Video at Zenj255 Awards 2017, Best Male Act 2018 and Best Artist of the Year at the 2021 Zanzibar Youth Awards.

Zenji Boy (Ison Mistari) is Zanzibar’s most celebrated rapper, dj and producer. His music is inspired by local traditional music styles including taarab, kidumbak and msewe (ngoma from Pemba island), which he eloquently fuses with self-branded hiphop.

Zenji Boy’s song-writing is critical and conscious, with powerful messages that deeply resonate with his Swahili-speaking audience. His songs speak about politics, love, unity, community and social development. His live performances are highly energetic. He has earned appreciation and respect at home and abroad for the fact he usually performs live, deftly wielding a violin or an oud in between his lyrical flows.

Zenji Boy won Best Music Video 2017 and Best Male Act 2018 at the Zenj255 Awards, Emerson Foundation Award 2020 and Best Artist of the Year 2021 at the Zanzibar Youth Awards.