Msafiri Zawose is Dr. Hukwe Zawose's fifth child. The name Zawose is synonymous with Tanzanian music and tradition.
Msafiri began learning music and playing the ilimba at a young age, surrounded by musicians and spending his days at art college. By his 13th birthday, he had mastered all of the signature Gogo instruments and was touring extensively across the country. His international debut was a three-month tour to Japan with his father's group Chibite, where he sang, danced, and played ndono, ngoma, and marimba.