Aslay - Biography, Career, Controversies, Awards and Discography

Fortune Samuel | June 25, 2024 | Biography | No Comments

Aslay Isihaka Nassoro, born on May 6, 1995, and known by his stage names Aslay, Dogo Aslay, and Dingi Mtoto, is a Tanzanian singer. He gained fame as the lead vocalist for the music band Yamoto and has made a significant impact in the East African music scene. Aslay specializes in bongo flava, a genre that mixes Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and hip hop.

He began his career with Yamoto Band and went solo in 2017. Since then, Aslay has released many hit songs and collaborated with top artists in the African music industry. He is considered one of Tanzania's most talented and influential musicians.

Early Life

Aslay, now 29 years old, was born on May 6, 1995, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He is the son of Mzee Isihaka Nassoro, a businessman and politician, and Mama Chiku, a housewife. He grew up in a middle-class family with two sisters, Nuru and Zahara.

Aslay attended Makumbusho Primary School and Makongo Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, where he developed an early interest in music. He joined the school choir and participated in various singing competitions. He also learned to play the guitar and keyboard from his father, who was a music enthusiast. Inspired by local and international artists like Dully Sykes, Mr. Nice, R. Kelly, and Michael Jackson, Aslay began writing songs at the age of 15 and recorded his first demo at a local studio.

Career

Aslay began his professional music career in 2011 with the release of his song "Naenda Kusema" under the 'Mkubwa na Wanae' music label, which became a hit in East Africa. In 2013, he and three of his colleagues, Mbosso, Beka Flavour, and Enock Bella, formed the Yamoto Band under the same management. The band, known as the “Kings of Bongo,” lasted for five years until it disbanded in 2017, allowing each member, including Aslay, to pursue solo careers.

Yamoto Band released their debut album, "Bongo La Biashara," in 2014, featuring popular tracks like "Nitakupwelepweta," "Niseme," and "Nisambazie Raha." The album was a massive success, earning them several awards and nominations, and they performed at numerous shows and festivals locally and internationally.

Aslay released his first solo single, "Hauna," in February 2017, which was well-received. He followed it up with other successful singles, such as "Natamba," "Angekuona," "Nyaku Nyaku," and "Baby." He also collaborated with top artists like Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Rayvanny, Alikiba, and Ommy Dimpoz.

He established his own record label, Aslay Music, and signed a distribution deal with Universal Music Group. In 2019, he released his first solo album, "Kipenda Roho," featuring 18 tracks including "Koko," "Mhudumu," and "Chuki." The album was a commercial and critical success, solidifying his status as a solo artist.

Aslay has continued to release more music, including albums such as "Sawa," "Rudi Darasani," and "Kipenda Roho 2." He has ventured into various genres, including gospel, reggae, and soul, and experimented with different languages like Swahili, English, French, and Arabic. He has expanded his fan base and performed in several countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, and Nigeria.

He is also involved in social and humanitarian causes, raising awareness and funds for issues such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and education. He supports and mentors young artists through his label and foundation.

In November 2022, Sony Music announced that Aslay had joined the Sony East Africa and Sony Africa family, following artists like Abigail Chams and Alikiba who had previously signed with the label.

Awards

Best Male Artist at the 2018 Tanzania Music Awards
Best Male Artist East Africa at the 2019 African Muzik Magazine Awards
Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards (nominated)
Best Male Artist at the 2020 All Africa Music Awards (nominated)
Best Collaboration at the 2019 Soundcity MVP Awards (nominated)

Personal Life and Controversies

Aslay was previously in a relationship with Nandy, another Tanzanian singer whom he met in 2016. They had a daughter together named Moza, born in 2017. However, their relationship ended in 2018 amid rumors of infidelity and domestic violence. Aslay accused Nandy of cheating on him with other men, while Nandy claimed that Aslay was abusive and irresponsible. They both denied the allegations and said they parted ways amicably. Despite their breakup, they agreed to co-parent their daughter and remain friends.

In 2019, Aslay started dating Tehran, a Kenyan model and socialite he met through a mutual friend. They have been together ever since and often share their romantic moments on social media. Tehran has also appeared in some of Aslay’s music videos, such as "Koko" and "Mhudumu."

Throughout his career, Aslay has faced several controversies. He had a feud with Diamond Platnumz, who accused him of stealing his songs and sabotaging his career. Aslay was also arrested for drug possession and trafficking, which he denied, claiming it was a setup by his enemies. Additionally, he was rumored to be involved in a cult, a claim he denied, stating it was a misunderstanding. Furthermore, Aslay has criticized the Tanzanian government and its policies, calling them oppressive and corrupt.