Leo Mkanyia, born in Dar es Salaam in 1981, is a talented composer and multi-instrumentalist whose musical journey began at the age of eight when he picked up the guitar. Growing up in a household steeped in music, Leo was inspired by his father, an accomplished African jazz guitarist who played with the renowned Mlimani Park Orchestra.

For years, Leo would play his father’s guitar in solitude, mastering the chords he observed his father perform. Despite his passion for music, Leo’s father, aware of the challenges of a musical career in Tanzania, initially encouraged him to pursue a different path.

However, everything changed one day when he discovered Leo playing a classic Tanzanian song. Recognizing his son’s talent and dedication, he decided to share his knowledge, nurturing Leo’s passion for music.

Leo’s songwriting reflects a profound engagement with themes of history, culture, politics, migration, inequality, and love. As the leader of the Swahili Blues Band, he has graced stages both regionally and internationally, including the prestigious London African Music Festival at Southbank in 2011, Sauti za Busara Zanzibar in 2012 and 2015, Bayimba International Festival (Uganda) in 2013, and DOADOA—East Africa Performing Art Market (Uganda) in 2015.

Since 1999, Leo has collaborated with the legendary Ethiopian jazz musician Mulatu Astatke, who has described Leo’s music as “fantastic.” Their collaboration during the Tanzania-Ethiopia fusion project brought Leo to Addis Ababa in both 2015 and 2017, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and captivating artist. With each performance, Leo Mkanyia continues to share his rich musical heritage, captivating audiences with his heartfelt stories and vibrant sound.