After featuring Bien of Sauti Sol and Kenyan rap heavyweight Khaligraph Jones in Pawa II, Mbosso expanded even further by collaborating with Rwanda’s celebrated vocalist The Ben, and Tanzanian stars Darassa, Billnass, and G Nako. The artist describes Pawa as a “love project that refuses to end quickly,” one that keeps growing with every creative partnership.

Although Pawa II was released with a simple lyric video, the song quickly sparked excitement across East Africa. Fans speculated that Mbosso might once again reshape the sound of Bongo Flava, as he did with the original version of Pawa.

Music Collaboration Over Competition

In a past interview, Mbosso revealed that the multilayered Pawa project was not created to pit artists against one another but to highlight the power of regional collaboration. “Pawa is a journey, not just a song. I want every influential voice in this region to have a place in it. That’s why I looked for powerful and diverse vocals,”
he explained.

Mbosso said he chose The Ben because of his unique vocal depth an emotional tone capable of elevating any track. According to him, this made The Ben the perfect artist to anchor Pawa III with a version that stands out from the rest.

In Pawa II, Bien contributed a refined, soulful delivery, while Khaligraph Jones added high energy and fast-paced lyricism that honored the persona at the heart of the story.

A Strategic Move in the East African Market

Music analyst Jay Classic argues that the Pawa project is driven not only by creativity but also by smart music business strategy. “Bien is hugely popular in Kenya, and Khaligraph is considered the rap king there. Mbosso made a calculated move by intentionally entering the Kenyan market through respected names,”
he said.

Another analyst, Jimmy de Prince, noted that although remixes may not always surpass the original in emotional impact, they often serve a bigger purpose. “I don’t think this remix will replace the original in the hearts of fans, but it will strengthen collaboration across East African countries,”
he said.

The Legacy of the Original ‘Pawa’

Released in June 2025, the original Pawa quickly became one of the most requested songs on regional radio stations and streaming platforms. Its lyrics explore vulnerability in relationships, love’s fragility, and the comfort of emotional support themes that resonated widely.

The accompanying video, filmed in Iringa, Tanzania, was directed by Folex, with production by S2Kizzy. The song remains at the top of Tanzania’s trending charts, reinforcing Mbosso's decision to treat Pawa as a long-term artistic project rather than a one-time hit.

This vision is encapsulated in his third studio album, Room Number 3, which houses all versions of Pawa. The album marks a major milestone in Mbosso’s career, as it is his first independent release after departing Diamond Platnumz’s WCB Wasafi label. Through the album, Mbosso showcases his desire to redefine himself, craft a new artistic identity, and pursue creative freedom.

Pawa III and IV: Expanding Musical Borders

Pawa III, which features The Ben, has been warmly received by fans from both Rwanda and Tanzania. Its emotional depth and polished sound have strengthened Mbosso’s presence across the region.

Pawa IV, featuring Darassa, Billnass, and G Nako, introduces a grittier, distinctly Tanzanian flavor, blending street poetry with the smooth romantic energy that defines the Pawa series. Each new release continues to broaden the song’s emotional and cultural footprint.

These consecutive collaborations reflect Mbosso’s long-term goal: to connect East Africa through music, bringing different styles, cultures, and fan bases together under a shared message of love.

A Unified Message

Over time, Mbosso has mastered the art of developing a single song into a rich, multi-chapter experience without losing its core identity. His partnerships with The Ben, Bien, Khaligraph Jones, and others underline his commitment not merely to chart success but to fostering regional unity and artistic synergy.

As the Pawa project continues to expand, one message remains constant:
love is powerful, love is fragile, and it deserves to be expressed in every possible artistic form.