Tanzanian Bongo Flava star Rajab Abdul, popularly known as Harmonize, has officially unveiled a newly formed team of business managers who will henceforth be tasked with handling all matters relating to his professional negotiations and commercial engagements, bringing an end to a chapter where he previously managed his deals.
The artiste made the announcement on his official Instagram page on Friday, April 18, 2025, just days after sparking widespread debate following a passionate response to critics who had taken aim at his command of the English language.
In his latest statement to fans and business associates alike, Harmonize was unequivocal about the transition, saying, “Konde Gang FC, please note that from now on, I will not personally handle any business or negotiations. I have a very dedicated team who represents me professionally. Kindly direct all business enquiries to them.”
Among those named in his newly unveiled managerial team is Dr Sebastian Ndege, popularly known as “Jembe ni Jembe”, a long-time associate of Harmonize and a well-respected media entrepreneur and medical doctor.
Dr Ndege has previously played a pivotal role in Harmonize’s career trajectory and is seen as a loyal figure behind many of his successes.
Also part of the team is Choppa Tz, a core member of the Konde Music Worldwide family, who has frequently been associated with the internal workings of the label and Harmonize’s musical projects. Sam Chaupole, another trusted name in the singer’s inner circle, is said to be Harmonize’s long-time personal assistant, having worked closely with the artist behind the scenes for years and contributing immensely to his day-to-day operations.
Geobeke, who is professionally known as “The Voice”, joins the team as a music executive, bringing with him industry knowledge and experience that is expected to strengthen Harmonize’s professional image both locally and abroad. Alongside him is Ms Brown Tz, a seasoned talent manager and music business executive, who will be instrumental in refining Harmonize’s brand, securing strategic partnerships, and guiding his evolving sound in an increasingly global market.
While Harmonize also listed “Konde Gang” as part of the team, it is understood that this refers to the official Instagram handle for his Konde Music Worldwide label, which will serve as a formal communication channel for fans, brands, and collaborators.
English trolls
The announcement comes on the heels of a fiery clapback Harmonize posted the day before, on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in which he responded to a series of scathing remarks from a section of fans who mocked his spoken English, claiming they could not understand him whenever he attempted to communicate in the language.
In a candid and emotionally charged Instagram story, the Konde Music Worldwide boss dismissed the criticism with characteristic bluntness, questioning why he should prioritise speaking proper English for people who were never the intended recipients of his messages in the first place.
“Now let me make y’all understand one thing. Please elaborate to me. Why would I speak proper English—for whom? For what purpose, my G?” he wrote, going on to add with finality, “Look, my English will forever be wrong to you, and I don’t give a ph about it. If you realise that you don’t understand my messages, it means that the idea does not concern you.”
The 34-year-old singer, who rose to fame under Diamond Platnumz’s Wasafi label before branching out to form his own imprint, went further to assert his position as the region’s most capable English-speaking artist, declaring confidently, “I’m the only East African English singer. Run that, my G.”
His statement came as part of a growing defence against an online audience that has been quick to scrutinise his artistic evolution, particularly after he released recent tracks such as ‘Me Too’—a romantic collaboration with singer Abigail Chams—and ‘Finally’, which features Grammy-winning hip-hop violinist Miri Ben-Ari.
Both tracks are sung almost entirely in English, and while many fans have praised the bold transition, others have mocked his diction and grammatical slips, prompting the singer to address the issue head-on.
Harmonize’s experience echoes that of fellow Bongo Flava giant Diamond Platnumz, who in mid-2024 found himself at the centre of ridicule after fans dissected his faltering English during a casual conversation with American pop star Jason Derulo.
The encounter—captured on video and widely circulated online—featured moments where Diamond appeared unsure and awkward, notably replying “2nd in the morning” when asked when he had arrived in town, a phrase that instantly drew mockery.
Even earlier, Diamond faced similar embarrassment during the filming of the Netflix reality show Young, Famous & African, when he told South African rapper Nadia Nakai, “I’m 31st” in response to her asking his age—yet another phrase that quickly became meme fodder for amused viewers.