Aslay, the former member of the renowned Yamoto Music Band, has revealed that the band’s disintegration can be attributed to the arrival of Rayvanny at Diamond Platnumz’s Wasafi Records.
Yamoto, a popular music ensemble consisting of Mbosso, Beka Flavour, Enock Bella, and Aslay himself, had been a dominant force in the Tanzanian and East African music scene in the mid-2010s, producing hit after hit.
However, the group’s unity began to unravel, and Aslay believes that Rayvanny’s affiliation with Wasafi Records was the final blow.
Rayvanny’s swift reception into the label included the gift of a Toyota Rav 4 for his transportation needs, a move that reportedly stirred envy among the Yamoto members.
The temptation of solo success and the prospect of similar rewards proved irresistible for the Yamoto members, and they began to entertain the idea of pursuing individual careers.
Aslay disclosed that he was the first to depart from the group, releasing his debut solo track ‘Kidawa.’ Following his lead, other members of Yamoto also ventured into their solo projects.
This, Aslay suggested, marked the beginning of the end for the once-thriving ensemble.
“To be honest, in the end, it seemed like the group was heading towards dissolution because everything was going downhill, not where we expected it to go,” Aslay lamented.
Their former manager, Mkubwa Fella, who is also associated with Diamond Platnumz’s Wasafi Records, made efforts to keep the band together, but the members’ ambitions and desire for personal success proved stronger.
“He really tried to keep us together, but there comes a time when you’re dealing with grown-ups who have already matured and have ambitions fueled by what they desire,” Aslay explained.
Yamoto Music Band had once been at the forefront of Tanzanian music, producing numerous chart-topping hits such as ‘Nitakupwelepweta,’ ‘Nisambazie Raha,’ and ‘Cheza Kwa Madoido.’ The group’s success extended beyond borders, with international tours and individual accolades.
However, like many musical groups, internal conflicts and individual aspirations eventually led to their disbandment in 2017.
In the aftermath, each member pursued their solo careers in the music industry, with varying degrees of success.
Mbosso and Aslay emerged as the most prominent solo artists from the former group, while Enock Bella and Beka Flavour faced challenges in establishing themselves as solo acts.
