The Voice Tanzania

The Voice TZ was founded by Obedi John Mark together with his young brothers Daniel John Mark, Baraka John Mark, and Mark John Mark. This is one family from Mr. John Mark from Magomeni Kagera in Dar es Salaam. At first, they were not called The Voice TZ. They had a name that was given to them by their father, Mr. John Mark, called DAMOBA Christian Choir.

Obedi John Mark

Daniel John Mark

Baraka John Mark

Mark John Mark

In 1994, Obedi, Daniel, Baraka, and Mark introduced contemporary a cappella music to Tanzania, forming The Voice Tanzania from DAMOBA Christian Choir. At first, they had no person who could sing bass. In 1996, while studying at secondary school, they met Msafiri Saimon, who subsequently joined the group as a bass singer.

Msafiri Saimon (Past Bass Singer)

Following his arrival, Msafiri Saimon performed with The Voice TZ at churches in different parts of Tanzania. During this period, the group also travelled to Europe for performances, marking its first international tour. Saimon later left because of studies and personal commitments after recording one album.

The Voice TZ performing in Europe (2007)

Performing in Kenya ("Najivunia Yesu")

After Saimon's departure, he was replaced briefly by Eliud Kweka, who performed on the Kenya trip before leaving due to personal circumstances. In the early 2000s, Obedi registered Josire Busee as a bass singer to replace Eliud Kweka.

Josire Busee (Past Bass Singer)

In 2003, The Voice TZ attracted wider public attention and was approached by the organizers of the Kilimanjaro Music Awards to participate. Although they did not win an award, participation created controversy within the Magomeni Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dar es Salaam, where they were registered singers.

The Voice TZ at Kilimanjaro Music Awards

Due to participating alongside performers of secular music, the church prohibited the group from performing for seven years. During this controversy, Obedi John Mark defended their mission using 1 Corinthians 9:22 (becoming "all things to all people" to reach others outside traditional walls), an event now viewed as a milestone in Christian music outreach in Tanzania.

In 2007, all members prioritized university education as mandated by chairperson Obedi John Mark. That same year, the telecommunications company Tigo (later rebranded as Yas) contracted the group to provide vocal harmonies for an advertisement. The payment fully covered members' university tuition fees through completion of their studies.

In 2011, Melissa John joined as lead singer and tenor after Obedi discovered her vocal talent in a school choir. Over time, founding brothers Daniel, Baraka, and Mark stepped down. In 2017, new members joined: Omary Mkiwa (Heavenly Singers), Daniel Suleiman (Heroes A Cappella), and brothers Bernard Chikahola & Baretty Mapunda (Vocapella).

Omary Mkiwa

Daniel Sule

Bernard Chikohola

Baretty Mapunda

In 2021, Omary, Daniel Suleiman, and Nicholas formed The Trio TZ. Consequently, Francis Richard (tenor) and Baraka Mashala (bass) joined. Bernard Chikohola left to become a film producer and was replaced by beatboxer Yusuph Lameck.

In 2025, David Sagati, Victor Vedastus, and Baraka Yombo joined the group. While David, Yusuph, and Baraka Mashala relocated to Mwanza or Finland (Mashala moved with his wife Laura and is replaced locally by Gideon Hyera), they all remain active members of The Voice TZ.

2025 marked a massive turning point with the arrival of Jackson Julius as Director and Videographer, elevating production quality. Most notably, The Voice TZ won the prestigious Best A Cappella Singing Group in East Africa award organized by EAGMA in 2025/2026.

Winning EAGMA Award of Best Acapella in East Africa (2025/2026)