Lavalava denies setting up a record label days after leaving Wasafi
By Steve Ireri, September 2, 2025Tanzanian singer Abdul Juma Idd, alias Lavalava, has dismissed reports suggesting that he is quietly setting up his own record label to rival Diamond Platnumz’s WCB Wasafi and Harmonize’s Konde Gang.
Speaking to a local Tanzanian TV station on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the artiste clarified that his current team, Bite Gang, is not a record label but a personal crew that manages his work and projects.
“Bite Gang is not a record label. This is my team that manages me, my work, and my projects. When the time comes, I will start a record label and let everyone know the name,” he said.
Lavalava explained that Bite Gang is a management team under his leadership, with him as the CEO.
He added that while he has plans to launch a record label in the future, the name and details will be shared when the time is right.
For now, Bite Gang’s purpose, he said, is to support fellow artistes and help them grow, much like the assistance he has received from Diamond in the past.
“For now, the focus is on helping others rise as well, just as Diamond helped us. I am currently the CEO of Bite Gang. I have many plans, but I do not want to announce them prematurely. Right now, I am the boss,” he added.
Wasafi exit
On whether he left Wasafi prematurely, Lavalava reflected on his long tenure with the label, noting that Wasafi has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many artistes.
He said that leaving a label can often spark speculation, but stressed the importance of exiting respectfully and on good terms.
“Wasafi is a label that has made people love us. When you leave such a place, people often think you are stepping back, although I do not really see it that way. You have to consider how you leave and do it respectfully,” he said.
Lavalava narrated that he spent about eight to nine years at Wasafi.
He insisted that he feels satisfied with his contributions, insisting that he maintains respect for the label and its leadership.
“Wasafi has been good to me. I spent about eight to nine years there, and while others may feel differently, I believe I am leaving on good terms,” he added.