17/01/2025
Darassa, born Shariff Thabit Ramadhan on September 3, 1988, in Singida, Tanzania, is a prominent hip hop artist known for his significant contributions to the East African music scene.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Darassa developed an interest in music during his youth, frequently visiting recording studios to understand the industry's dynamics. Despite his early exposure, he initially lacked the confidence to produce his own music. Inspired by Tanzanian hip hop legend Prof. Jay, he eventually decided to pursue a career in music.
Musical Breakthrough
In 2014, Darassa released his debut single, "Sikati Tamaa," featuring Ben Pol. After a brief hiatus, he returned in 2016 with "Utanipenda," featuring Rich Mavoko, and later that year, he achieved widespread acclaim with the hit "Muziki," again collaborating with Ben Pol. "Muziki" received extensive airplay across East Africa, significantly elevating his profile in the region.
Subsequent Projects and Collaborations
Following the success of "Muziki," Darassa continued to release popular tracks and collaborated with various artists, including:
"I Like It" featuring South African artist Sho Madjozi.
"Yumba" featuring Harmonize.
"Leo" featuring Jux.
"Proud of You" featuring Alikiba.
These collaborations have showcased his versatility and ability to blend different musical styles.
Establishment of Classic Music Group (CMG)
Demonstrating entrepreneurial acumen, Darassa founded his own management company, Classic Music Group (CMG), through which he manages his music projects and supports emerging artists.
Notable Achievements
Darassa has achieved several milestones in his career, including:
Becoming the first Tanzanian artist to perform in India, attracting thousands of fans.
Receiving nominations and awards from prestigious organizations such as AFRIMA and EATV Awards.
Discography Highlights
Some of Darassa's notable songs include:
"Muziki" featuring Ben Pol.
"Too Much."
"Achia Njia."
"Kamata" featuring Maua Sama.
"Loyalty" featuring Nandy and Marioo.
His music is characterized by a blend of hip hop and Afro-pop influences, resonating with a broad audience across East Africa and beyond.
Personal Life
Darassa maintains a private personal life but has occasionally shared glimpses, such as photos of his daughter, on social media.
Through his innovative approach to music and dedication to his craft, Darassa continues to be a significant figure in the Tanzanian music industry, influencing upcoming artists and contributing to the growth of East African music on the global stage.