AY is arguably one of the most selling brand of Bongo Flava Hip Hop, whose musical success has earned him a host of international shows.Apart from winning several local and regional music accolades and performing at two MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) festivals, the flamboyant and charismatic artiste has also twice been nominated for Kora and MAMA Awards.
AY, real name Ambwene Allen Yessaya, was born in Mtwara, southern part of Tanzania, on July 5, 1981 and was dubbed by his fans as 'Mzee wa Commercial', meaning a successful artist in the hip hop business.
His growth as an entertainer and a musician began way back in 1996 while in high school; together with some friends they formed a group called the CBM crew.
"We recorded our first album and released it in the year 2000," says AY.
“Unfortunately, this album didn't do well and not many can remember this album as it came at a time when Bongo Flava as a genre was struggling to gain acceptance.”
