Born on October 30, in the picturesque town of Bukoba, Tanzania, Tuphy — whose full name is Tumaini Francis has always been destined for greatness in the world of music.
From a young age, he was enchanted by the magic of sound, with the piano quickly becoming his first love. Growing up, Tuphy’s talent flourished as he became an integral part of his community’s choir, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey in music.
Tuphy’s passion for music grew stronger over time, leading him to leave his hometown and pursue his craft at music college. There, he refined his skills and fully embraced his calling as a producer, singer, and songwriter. Known for his unique blend of Afrobeat and Afro-fusion, Tuphy has made a distinct mark on the Tanzanian music scene.
Tuphy’s 2020 debut EP Ghetto Student put him on the map, with the hit “Ufunguo” featuring Mapanch_BMB earning him widespread recognition. His follow-up EP, The Future, showcased his versatility with fan favorites like “Indiana,” “Fake Love,” and “Melanin,” and collaborations with Country_Wizzy and Naphie. Produced by the Kemets Family, the project’s chemistry continues to captivate listeners. With every release, Tuphy is reshaping the Tanzanian music scene and inspiring fans globally.
In our first interview feature series of 2025, Tuphy takes us through his musical journey, from cultural influences to key career milestones. Join us as we explore his inspiring path, exciting projects ahead, and the soulful energy that defines his unforgettable sound. This is one interview you don’t want to miss!
Tuphy ‘s Early Beginnings
MC: Great to have you, Tuphy! Can you share how music became a big part of your life and if there was a moment you knew it was your true passion?
Tuphy: I’m Tuphy, a musician from Tanzania. My journey started early, influenced by my father, a choir teacher and pianist. Surrounded by music growing up, I began playing the piano and leading the choir in primary school. Despite being small and unable to lift the piano on my own, I had a strong support system that helped me grow. From there, creating music became my true calling.
MC: You’ve shared your early love for the piano—what was it like the first time you played? How has it shaped your sound over time?
Tuphy: Growing up, my father’s influence as a choir teacher was a big inspiration. Back then, I didn’t have a real piano, so I used a small piece of wood with piano keys drawn on it as my practice tool. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to fuel my love for music. As I got older, my father introduced me to a real piano, and when I first played on it, it felt incredible. What started as a simple toy became a powerful way for me to express myself, and that moment was a turning point—playing the piano evolved from a hobby to a true passion.
MC: You grew up being a key member of your community choir. How did that experience influence your journey as a producer, singer, and songwriter? What lessons did you learn from your time in the choir?
Tuphy: Playing the piano has been key to shaping my sound. It’s where I first connected deeply with music and began writing my songs. That foundation made collaborating with producers in the studio much easier. My lyrics and melodies often come from the piano, and it’s even helped me improve my production skills. Now, with a piano nearby, I can start a track at any time—it’s become an extension of my creativity and a central part of how I create music.
Stepping into the Professional Music Scene
MC: You studied music in college—how important was that for your growth as an artist, and what key lessons did you gain?
Tuphy: My time in the choir was a pivotal moment in my musical journey. It taught me everything from songwriting to building the confidence to sing. Writing gospel songs for the choir helped me develop both my voice and musical skills. That experience laid the foundation for everything that followed, allowing me to evolve as an artist and grow into the musician I am today.
MC: You’ve been honing your craft for years—what challenges did you face when transitioning from a local artist to a more recognized figure in the industry?
Tuphy: The biggest challenge in my journey was shifting from gospel to secular music, which created tension with my family due to their strong religious beliefs. Breaking into the music industry was tough, and the lack of support from my community made it even harder. Balancing my passion with others’ expectations was difficult, but I stayed focused and pushed through.
MC: You pursued formal training at music college—how did that impact your growth as an artist, and what key lessons did you learn?
Tuphy: Music college was a turning point in my journey to the industry. After secondary school, I wasn’t sure of my next step, but committing to music helped others see it was my true path. I gained valuable knowledge in music theory, business, and the craft, and built key connections that were crucial in shaping my career.
Musical Style & Influences
MC: As an artist from Tanzania, how does your culture influence your music, both lyrically and sonically? Are there any specific traditional elements you like to incorporate into your sound?
Tuphy: My culture shapes my sound, especially through the use of Swahili. I blend Afrobeats with traditional and modern influences, like incorporating Maasai music in my song “Freestyle.” Love, a central theme in Tanzanian music, runs through my lyrics, reflecting romance and heartbreak. This connection to my roots helps me create music that resonates deeply with my audience.
MC: Let’s talk about your debut EP, Ghetto Student, released in 2020. What was the vision behind that project, and how did it feel when tracks like “Ufunguo” featuring Mapanch_BMB began to get attention?
Tuphy: The vision for my project ‘Ghetto Student’ came to me during university, reflecting on the struggles of students, especially those living on the edge. While studying, I was living on the streets, and I saw two types of students—those in hostels and those like me, hustling to survive. I wanted to capture that reality and create music that connected with those students.
I’m proud of how Ghetto Student turned out. The track ‘Campus Girl’ perfectly captured the university vibe, while ‘Ufunguo’, featuring Mapanch_BMB and produced by S2kiss, became a major hit. The collaboration with these talents took the song to another level and helped it make a huge impact on the Tanzanian music scene.
MC: Tracks “Freestyle” and “Mwisho” both showed your versatility. Can you walk us through the creative process behind those songs and how they helped establish you as a serious force in the music scene
Tuphy: “Freestyle” and “Mwisho” from my Ghetto Student project each have their own story. “Freestyle” came together spontaneously with Luffah., and the melody just clicked. It gained attention for its unique vibe. “Mwisho”, which I produced myself, was a deep love song I worked on in isolation to make sure it felt emotional and impactful. The success of “Mwisho” gave me the confidence to handle every aspect of my music, from production to writing and singing, and showed me I could create a complete record on my own.
Collaborations & Production
MC: You’ve worked closely with the Kemets Family on your EPs. What makes your collaboration with them so special, and how has the chemistry between you all shaped the sound of your music?
Tuphy: The Kemets are a talented duo who’ve played a key role in my journey. After hearing my first EP, ‘Ghetto Student’, they reached out, and we quickly connected to work on my second EP, ‘The Future’, named for their groundbreaking sound. I love their ability to push musical boundaries, and our chemistry in the studio led to something special. The Kemets have opened up a new sonic world for me, and I’m excited to keep collaborating with them—they’re definitely on their way to becoming major names in Tanzanian music.
Future Plans
MC: As a young artist with impressive achievements, what do you think has been the key to building your audience and maintaining that momentum? How do you stay connected with your fans?
Tuphy: Social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, is key to connecting with my audience. I engage through live streams, events, and charity activities, which help me build deeper connections with the community. My university, where my career started, remains special to me, and I perform at its festival each year to stay connected with those who supported me from the beginning.
MC: Looking ahead, what can your fans expect from Tuphy in 2025 and beyond? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or new sounds you’re excited to explore?
Tuphy: In 2025, I’ve got a lot in store for my fans. I’ll be dropping new music, including some exciting collaborations with artists I’ve worked with before and a few fresh talents from Tanzania. I’ve got a new EP coming, as well as my debut album, so there’s plenty to look forward to. I’ve been working hard, and everything I’m releasing is made with the future in mind. Expect a steady stream of new tracks and more collaborations on the way. When the time comes, you’ll get to hear all the hard work I’ve been putting in—just stay tuned!
MC: Music is your calling, but outside of your music career, who is Tuphy as a person? What are some of the things that inspire you outside of the studio?
Tuphy: Outside the studio, I like to think of myself as a student of life. I’m always looking to learn, especially when it comes to the music industry. I spend a lot of time watching movies for inspiration, particularly the visuals and storytelling, which often spark new ideas for my music. I also dive into podcasts, especially ones that focus on the music industry and the Afrobeats scene. That’s how I spend my downtime—constantly soaking up new knowledge and fresh ideas to keep my creativity flowing.
And there you have it MC fam! Tuphy’s journey from Dar Es Salaam to the forefront of Tanzanian music is nothing short of inspiring. We’re thrilled to keep you updated on his new projects and exclusive content in 2025. At Music Custodian, we’re dedicated to bringing you closer to the African talent shaping the global music scene. Follow Tuphy, stay tuned, and let’s continue celebrating African creativity together.
