Rayvanny: The Full Story of Chui – From Mbeya Streets to African Stardom
Early Life and Background
Rayvanny, born Raymond Shaban Mwakyusa on August 22, 1993, hails from Mbeya, a region located in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Raised in a modest Christian household, Rayvanny's upbringing was grounded in discipline, humility, and a strong sense of community. Growing up in Mbeya, he was surrounded by traditional values and the everyday struggles of Tanzanian life—conditions that would later shape the emotional depth and authenticity found in his music.
From a young age, Rayvanny exhibited a love for music. He would often perform at school and local events, where he honed his craft as both a singer and songwriter. His talent did not go unnoticed. Inspired by Tanzanian Bongo Flava legends and global superstars, Rayvanny dreamed of becoming a music icon. However, coming from a humble background, his dream seemed distant and almost impossible to achieve.
Education and Early Music Interests
Rayvanny attended high school in Mbeya and was known for his charisma and artistic flair. While other students focused solely on academics, Rayvanny was already deeply involved in music. He wrote songs, participated in talent shows, and connected with local producers to learn more about music production. After finishing school, he decided to pursue music full-time, a decision that would eventually lead him to Dar es Salaam—the epicenter of Tanzanian entertainment.
Entry into the Music Scene
In 2012, Rayvanny took his first major step into the music world by joining the music group Tip Top Connection, a collective based in Dar es Salaam known for nurturing raw talent. At Tip Top, he worked closely with other aspiring artists, refined his lyrical skills, and gained a better understanding of how the music business worked. Although he was not yet nationally famous, this period played a crucial role in building his foundation as a performer.
It was during this time that Rayvanny began crafting his identity as "Chui" (which means "leopard" in Swahili)—a name that symbolized his fierce ambition, agility in the industry, and the strength he carried despite being a newcomer.
Joining WCB Wasafi and Breakthrough
In 2015, Rayvanny's life changed dramatically when he was signed by WCB Wasafi, the record label founded by Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz. The label, already famous for launching the careers of several successful artists, offered Rayvanny a powerful platform to showcase his talent to the world.
In 2016, he released his debut single under WCB titled "Kwetu"—a Bongo Flava anthem that quickly became a nationwide hit. The song’s infectious beat, catchy lyrics, and fresh sound introduced Rayvanny to a wider audience and cemented his status as a rising star. "Kwetu" was followed by more hit singles such as "Natafuta Kiki", "Sugu", and "Zeze", which further established his unique voice in the Bongo Flava scene.
His collaboration with Diamond Platnumz on the song "Salome" became one of the biggest East African hits of the decade. The chemistry between the two artists, along with the blend of traditional and modern sounds, made the track iconic. “Salome” helped Rayvanny become a household name not just in Tanzania, but across Africa.
International Breakthrough and Awards
Rayvanny made history in 2017 when he won the BET Award for International Viewer's Choice Best New International Act. This made him the first Tanzanian artist to win a BET Award, a milestone that put both him and Bongo Flava on the global map. His win was a source of national pride and validated the international appeal of his music.
Following his BET win, Rayvanny received multiple nominations and awards, including:
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AFRIMA Awards
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AEUSA Awards
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Soundcity MVP Awards
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MTV Africa Music Awards
He continued collaborating with African and international stars, including Naira Marley, JoeBoy, Guchi, Inoss'B, Zuchu, and Phyno, showcasing his ability to merge different genres such as Afropop, Amapiano, Afrobeat, and Latin influences into his music.
Musical Projects and Albums
Rayvanny has been one of the most consistent artists in Tanzania when it comes to releasing projects that showcase his creativity and diversity.
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Flowers EP (2020)
Released on Valentine’s Day, this EP focused on love songs and romantic storytelling. Tracks like “Teamo,” “I Love You,” and “Zeze” became fan favorites, especially among female listeners. -
Sound from Africa Album (2021)
This was Rayvanny’s debut studio album and a major milestone in his career. The album had over 20 tracks and featured collaborations with artists from across the continent including Diamond Platnumz, Nasty C, Innoss'B, and Kizz Daniel. The album demonstrated Rayvanny’s versatility and commitment to expanding the boundaries of African music. -
New Chui EP (2022)
This EP was a statement project that reminded fans of his unique sound and lyrical ability. It included popular tracks like “Forever” and “Wanaweweseka,” where he embraced his Chui persona fully, asserting dominance in the game. -
Flowers III EP (2024)
A continuation of his Valentine’s-themed series, the third installment of “Flowers” leaned heavily into love ballads, soft melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, showing the emotional and romantic side of Rayvanny’s artistry.
Creating Next Level Music (NLM)
In 2021, Rayvanny shocked the industry when he announced his intention to leave WCB Wasafi and go independent. This marked a new era in his career, as he founded his own label, Next Level Music (NLM). While still maintaining a cordial relationship with Diamond Platnumz and WCB, Rayvanny sought to become a leader and entrepreneur in the industry.
Next Level Music was created to give other upcoming artists opportunities and to give Rayvanny full creative control over his music and branding. Under NLM, he continued to release high-quality videos, chart-topping songs, and even signed new talents.
Musical Style and Influence
Rayvanny’s music blends a wide array of genres including Bongo Flava, Afrobeat, Amapiano, R&B, and Reggaeton. His sound is distinct because of his vocal versatility—he can sing soulfully, rap energetically, or deliver catchy hooks. Lyrically, he explores themes of love, heartbreak, ambition, social issues, and street life.
He sings mostly in Swahili but incorporates English and even Spanish words to connect with broader audiences. This multilingual and cross-genre ability has made him one of the most globally marketable artists from East Africa.
Streaming Power and Digital Presence
Rayvanny is one of the most-streamed Tanzanian artists. On platforms like YouTube, Boomplay, Audiomack, and Spotify, his music consistently garners millions of plays. He has amassed hundreds of millions of views on YouTube alone and has one of the strongest online fan bases in the region.
His social media presence is also strong, with millions of followers on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. He uses these platforms not only to promote music but also to connect with fans and showcase his lifestyle.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Rayvanny has accumulated significant wealth through his music and business ventures. While estimates vary, his net worth is believed to be between $2 million and $5 million. His income streams include:
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Royalties and streaming revenue
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Live performances and concerts across Africa and beyond
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Brand endorsements and ambassadorial roles
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His record label is Next Level Music
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Fashion and merchandise ventures
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Investments in real estate and business
He owns luxury cars, a mansion, and has been known to enjoy a lavish lifestyle, though he often emphasizes the importance of hard work and humility.
Legacy and Impact
Rayvanny’s journey from Mbeya to the international music scene is a story of talent, hustle, and evolution. He is widely respected not just for his hits, but for his business acumen and leadership in the music industry. He has paved the way for a new generation of artists who believe they can achieve global success without compromising their identity.
He continues to be a role model for young people across Tanzania and Africa—proving that with dedication, talent, and vision, anything is possible.