THE RISE'N'SHINE FAMILY
Magic happens when we come together and play. We all feel very connected, because we share the experience of rehearsing and performing together. However, our family is much bigger than the musicians on stage! The Rise'n'Shine studio that is based in Mwanza is filled with many creative minds.
Get to know the Rise'n'Shine family:
Dr. Bahati - Singer, songwriter & guitarist, CG - Musical director, singer & bassist, Angel - Singer, Ney Lee - Singer, Obadiah - Pianist & Sound engineer, Baraka - Bassist, Tito - Drummer, Baraka - Soloist, Eliah - Sound engineer, Jonathan - Promotion manager
CG
Singer, Bassist & Musical Director
CG is a bassist, song writer, pianist and the Musical Director of Rise’n’Shine. CG has been playing for many well-known musicians like Jackie Akello/Uganda (Sauti za Busara 2019) and many others touring in different countries. He trained young bands in Uganda until he met Bahati and Phillip and founded Rise'n'Shine. Now he focuses on his personal brand as CG the bassist and singer - passionate for afro-beats and Rise'n'Shine.
Contact CG here: +255 657 800 139
DR. BAHATI
Singer, Guitarist & Songwriter
Bahati is the driving energy behind Rise'n'Shine. First of all she is the front singer and plays the acoustic rhythm guitar. As the songwriter of the band the messages of the songs are very important to her - she writes the lyrics in Kiswahili, English and German. She grew up in Tanzania and she was a gospel singer for more than 10 years touring through Germany. The love for Reggae music and its basic principles of a peaceful and respectful togetherness led to the founding of Rise'n'Shine.
Contact Dr. Bahati here: +255 685 355 688
BIBI FIRE
Singer
Bibi Fire is the heart of Rise'n'Shine. On stage she is truly a shining star with her cristal clear voice. Crowds always love seeing her in full performance mode: Her smile, her energy on stage and her dance moves just resemble the positive vibes Rise'n'Shine spreads as a team! As the former drummer she is the musical memory of the band and knows everything about Rise'n'Shine. She started her career as a singer in church - she used to sing the lead voice in the praise teams and inspire other women to keep up the music - while having all the responsibilities mothers have!
Contact Bibi Fire here: +255 626 552 431
NEY LEE
Singer
Ney Lee is one of Rise'n'Shine's wonderful singers. She has been singing since she was very young, and when you hear her tone you will fall in love with her voice! Ney Lee is a power-woman with a lot of energy, and you will definitely notice her when she enters the room. When she performs live she spreads a lot of love to the audience and brings a smile on people's faces.
Contact Ney Lee here: +255 652 841 244
OBI THE MINISTER
Keys & Sound Engineer
Obadia is called the Minister because he is the most spiritual person in our family. He is humble and at the same time he has such a big passion for music. His musical knowledge has its origin in the church. For many years he played the piano in the church service and led praise teams. In Rise’n’Shine rehearsals he never hesitates to teach and help others.
Contact Obadia here: +255 784 709 579
BARAKA SOLO
Solo Guitarist
Baraka is our solo guitarist - he is very fast with his fingers and impresses everyone with his skills. He is always well organized and the first one to show up at rehearsals. Baraka is a serious guy who is very conscious about time management and effectiveness. He brings a new style to the group with his preciseness.
Contact Baraka here: +255 763 968 371
TITO
Drummer
Tito is very passionate and when he plays you can feel his energy in the whole room! Normally he is a quiet person, but when he plays the drums your attention will be drawn to him. He is extremely dedicated and hardworking - if it was possible he would like to do rehearsals from morning till evening… Tito is a very fast learner and his beats are so nice.
Contact Tito here: +255 747 262 619
BARAKA BASS
Bassist
Baraka is the bassist of the band, but he also knows how to play the keyboard. Baraka is adventurous and he likes to experience new things. If the stress is high and Baraka smiles at you, then you know that everything will be fine… Baraka is very engaged in his church, and he enjoys coming together and bringing people together.
Contact Baraka here: +255 629 083 475
ELIAH
Sound Engineer
Eliah is our wonderful sound engineer. He is always ready to help and to make the band sound amazing. He has been a part of the family for a long time, and Eliah is our all time favorite dancer - he has the best and nicest dance moves and he always spreads good vibes and makes people smile.
Contact Eliah here: +255 714 022 429
JONAH
Promotion Manager
Jonah has a lot of knowledge about the band, and everyone can call him any time if they have questions about the band. He is very down to earth, and has a good eye for details. Jonah is great at communicating and very creative, and with these qualities he makes sure that we are always updated on all platforms, so we can share our music!
Contact Jonah here: +255 622 273 886
PHILLIP ATEESA
Solo Guitar & Singer
Phillip Ateesa is an Ugandan musician and music teacher. In Rise'n'Shine he is the melody that lingers on even if the gig has ended... cause everyone remembers his melodies that are so unique in rhythm and style. Phillip concentrates on the electric guitar that he plays since 2013. However, he also play Ugandan instruments like drums (Engalabi, Nankasa and Empumpi) and stringed instruments (Adungu) as well as western instruments like the keyboard, drums, acoustic guitar and bass guitar.
His aim is to build a career as a reggae and afro-jazz guitarist.
MARIAM
Drummer
Mariam is the heartbeat of the band – the engine and the silent but most effective captain. She is usually the quiet one who sits back and watch the other doing their things. She might once in a while come up with some few words but then she just hits the point! On stage she impresses the fans with her drum stick twirling abilities.
Mariam started holding the drumsticks in 2017 – self-taught she plays various genres of music ranging from Afro Caribbean Fusion, Reggae, RnB, Hip Hop, Afro Zouk, Sebene and many other East-African and European genres.
JOHN THE BASS
Bass
John has a long experience playing in local bands and churches. He has been active since his young age - socially engaged in a youth center in Mwanza town. He is not only keeping the beat alive but brings in a chilled and relaxed atmosphere through his strong base lines.
IMANI THE DRUMMIST
Drummer
Imani is truly a talent. He makes the band groove - his positive energy is amazing - his smile behind the drums is magical! On gigs the crowds love seeing him in full performance mode, and the band couldn’t be happier to have such an talented drummer in rehearsals up on stage!
CHRISTIAN MGANA
Keys
Christian Mgana is the hidden genius and the multi talent in the band. Basically, he plays every possible instrument you can imagine. However, he calls himself the driver of the band. It is true in a metaphorical way – he drives the band though ups and downs – long distances and bumpy roads! In Rise’n’Shine he holds the keys and takes us away with his jazzy cords and his surprising interludes.
Growing up in the biggest city of Tanzania he these days is the sound engineer, the choir leader of the praise team of one of the biggest congregations in Tanzania. Rise’n’Shine is just blessed to have this humble and funny musician on the keys!
JUNIOR ALBERT
Sound Engineer
Junior – he might seem young but never underestimate his experience and brilliancy! His trade mark is to work with the given sound – and get the best out of it. His high adaptive skills and creativity makes it that the band has in any case the best sound. He produces the highest quality of sound for Rise’n’Shine fans on live concerts, ensuring that sound effects, voices and music are all heard and enjoyed by the audience.
JOEL
Photographer & Videographer
Joel is the reason why Rise'n'Shine has high quality pictures and videos. Joel comes from a family of photographers - his grandfather already made a living out of it. With an experience of over 10 years in his field he has the perfect eye for detail and beauty. He uses his skills to tell visual stories with video and audio.
ARTUS
Band Psychologist
These mental health professionals know what it feels like when the van breaks down, when the booker shorts the fee, or when your front singer is just getting a bit crazy. All musicians are different and for the positive vibes in the band Artus creates a special atmosphere of mutual and deep understanding. Furthermore, Artus is just the biggest supporter of the band. He helps with organizing and takes care of the small things that matter!
