Raymond Shaban (born 22 August 1993),[1] better known by his stage name Rayvanny, is a Tanzanian musician,[2] songwriter and recording artist who was signed under WCB Wasafi record label until July 2022. He was born and raised in Nzovwe ward of Mbeya city, located in Mbeya Region. He is the most successful bongo flava musician in Tanzania from Mbeya region. His songs are mainly in Swahili. He is also the founder and CEO of Next Level Music.[3] Rayvanny is best known by his song "Kwetu", which introduced him to the world. Rayvanny was mentioned by MTV Base among "Acts To Look Out For" in 2017.[4]
Later on August 1, 2022, a Colombian version of his song, Mama Tetema he made collaborating with a Colombian musician, Maluma won him an award in EAEA People's Choice, Best Global Collaboration category on East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards (EAEA)[5]
Rayvanny nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Latin Pop Album category for his collaboration with Colombian singer Maluma on their song “Mama Tetema” which was originally made by Rayvanny featuring Diamond Platnumz being produced by S2Kizzy. This song also featured on Maluma's album “Don Juan”, which was released in May 2023.
Career
In 2011, when Rayvanny was still in high school, he realized his passion for music. He won a rap freestyle competition. In 2012 he joined a music group called Tip Top Connection, where he got more experience in his music career and connected with a lot of artists.
In 2015 he decided to officially join one of the biggest record labels, WCB Wasafi Records,[6] which is managed and under the leadership of Diamond Platnumz. He released his first song, "Kwetu", in 2016. It became a hit in East Africa.
In 2016, Rayvanny was nominated for an MTV Africa Music Award[7] in the category of Breakthrough Act 2016. In 2017 he was also nominated for several music awards, such as AEUSA for Best New Talent, Uganda Entertainment Award for Best African Act, and BET Award for International Viewers' Choice.[8]
In 2021, Rayvanny founded his own record label, Next Level Music and signed his first artist called Mac Voice.[3][9]
In November 2021, Rayvanny collaborates with Maluma on the title "Mama Tetema". "Mama Tetema" was certified Disco de Oro in 2022 by RIAA.[10]
In July 2022, He left WCB to focus on his on Record Label, Next Level Music.[11]
Rayvanny holds several notable records including the record of being the first Tanzanian / African act to perform at the stage of MTV EMA, first Tanzanian act to clock 100 Million streams on Boomplay and the only Tanzanian artist to ever win a BET Award.[12][13][14]
Discography
Since his debut in 2016 under WCB Wasafi, Rayvanny has released 1 album and a total of 5 EPs.
^Certain award groups do not simply award one winner. They acknowledge several different recipients, have runners-up, and have third place. Since this is a specific recognition and is different from losing an award, runner-up mentions are considered wins in this award tally. For simplification and to avoid errors, each award in this list has been presumed to have had a prior nomination.
