Boaz Danken: Bio and Journey Into Gospel Music

Boaz Danken Mwaitalako is a Tanzanian-born singer, songwriter, worship minister, and professional accountant. Known for his emotive and impactful music, some of his most notable tracks include Uongezeke Yesu, Haufananishwi, and Yesu Wastahili.

Boaz Danken hails from Mbeya, which has birthed other prominent worship ministers such as Paul Clement, Rehema Simfukwe, Dr. Ipyana, Joel Lwaga, Bahati Bukuku, Bony Mwaitege and Sifaeli Mwabuka.

Boaz is known for his deep commitment to worship music, driven by a strong desire to touch God’s heart through his ministry. His music, often marked by a gentle and humble tone, resonates with listeners and worshippers alike. The introspective and peaceful nature of his songs has led to a growing following of congregants who are deeply moved by the spiritual depth of his lyrics.

His gift, much like scripture says, has opened doors he never imagined possible, such as performing on the international stage and ministering to hundreds of thousands.

Boaz Danken’s Bio

Here is a quick fact sheet on Boaz Danken:

Boaz Danken Mwaitalako hails from the Nyakyusa ethnic group in Tanania and was born to two parents. He boasts of his 2 brothers and one sister from the same mother and other siblings from his father’s other wife. His father was a wealthy business man whom he praises for having taught him patience and taken him through school. However, it was his mother’s singing in the choir that might have sparked an interest for him regarding singing in general.

Unbeknownst to many, Boaz Danken is a professional accountant and although he does not practice anymore, it sustained him before his music took off. Boaz Danken had a troubled childhood when it came to education with the singer attesting that between the first and seventh grade, his performance was wanting. He had a shot stint when he was 14 where he ventured into business and succeeded so much so that his mother did not see the need for him to go back to school for secondary education. This prompted a young Boaz to run away from home so that he could pursue his desire to study.

Now a secondary school student who had just received salvation, Boaz Danken’s performance took an upward slope which saw him move to position 11 in form one and position 1 in Form 2 and for the rest of his education till Form 6.

In Form 6, Boaz Danken desired more of God’s presence which spurred in him an interest to learn how to fast for its implications.

Marriage

Boaz Danken met his wife, Iman Danken, while she was in her 2^nd year of campus. They courted for 6 months before he popped the question and the two wedded off in October 2016. Boaz Danken lauds his spiritual father, pastor Mbuke for playing the role of a matchmaker in their union because after Boaz identified Iman, he told his pastor about it and he went on to set them up. The two are trusting God for their miracle children.

Journey Into Gospel Music

Unlike many children his age, Boaz Danken discovered his passion for music early. By the time he was in Class 3, he was already drawn to the rhythms and melodies that filled his church in Mbeya. As an instrumentalist for the Paradise Choir, he played the drums under the mentorship of Mwakitabu, an experience that deepened his love for music.

However, Boaz didn’t immediately step into the spotlight. In his early years, he found comfort in blending into choirs rather than standing out as a solo minister. His journey toward boldness in ministry was gradual.

As he grew, so did his passion. By Form 3, he was appointed choir teacher, a role that further sharpened his musical skills. Yet, his heart was always set on something deeper—writing songs that would touch God. This desire has remained a guiding force throughout his journey.

A Call to Worship

Remarkably, Boaz’s music ministry began even before he fully embraced salvation. One of his earliest milestones was writing a song for a choir, almost as if foreshadowing the path ahead.

After completing high school, he joined St. Augustine University of Tanzania in Mwanza, where he found spiritual guidance under Pastor Mbuke, who became a father figure in his faith. He was appointed the choir master after they discovered that he once served as a choir teacher when he was in form 3.

In 2011, he had a transformative encounter when gospel artist John Lisu visited his campus and performed a few songs. This experience reshaped Boaz’s understanding of worship, inspiring him to dedicate his second year of campus to fasting—eating only one meal a day—to seek a deeper revelation of worship.

Initially, Boaz carved out a niche for himself, primarily singing about trials and temptations. However, a turning point came when a church leader called him out, prompting a shift toward worship music. He testifies that it wasn’t until he began singing praise songs that God revealed more songs to him and granted him recognition, affirming His presence in his musical journey.

Discography

In 2013, Boaz took a significant step forward in his music career by recording his first song, Emmanuel, featuring Tafes Ardhi. This marked the beginning of his journey as a gospel minister—one that continues to impact lives today.

His song Haufananishwi came to him during a moment of meditation, reinforcing his belief that his music is divinely inspired. Although initially recorded as an audio, Boaz felt God’s guidance against shooting a planned video at the time. The song was eventually released in 2020. He emphasizes the close connection between the altar and worship music ministry, attributing the success of his songs to God’s presence at the altar. He remains grateful to his pastor, who not only supported him spiritually but also played a significant role in his music career, financially backing the production of Uongezeke Yesu, which cost approximately four million Kenya Shillings.

Before gaining popularity, Boaz recorded nine songs that did not perform well, only reaching Arusha and Mwanza but failing to break into Dar Es Salaam. He views this as part of God’s plan to teach him humility and shape his character. His first album, which had 16 songs, was never officially released, yet he retained his music director, learning valuable lessons from the experience. His live recordings further strengthened his faith, showing him that nothing is impossible with God.

Boaz’s second album, Uongezeke Yesu, was released in June 2023. Originally planned to contain 25 songs, it was finalized with 21. The production process spanned five months, with two months dedicated to practice and three months to recording with background vocalists. Among his earlier works, he recorded Nani Kama Wewe and Ninakupenda Yesu in 2014, though they were released much later in 2020 and 2023, respectively.

He also has had multiple live recordings namely Haufananishwi, Wewe ni mtakatifu, Ninakupenda Yesu, Yesu Yu Hai and Niuguse Moyo Wako and even Uongezeke Yesu. Penuel has 2 parts, each comprising 10 songs and which he released in December of 2023. The album, with the same title includes favorites such as Yesu Wastahili in which he features his wife, Pastor Iman and Jemedari Wa Vita.

Just recently, he released Nimepata Yesu in conjunction with Paul Clement and Essence of Worship which has quickly become a fan favorite.

Awards and Recognition

It’s no secret that in his music ministry, Danken has captured the hearts of many. In 2019, he won the coveted top gospel male artist at the Chomoza Gospel Music Awards.

Not only is Boaz Danken beloved by his fans but also his counterparts in the gospel music industry. In 2024, he released Ni Neema featuring Joel Lwaga, in which they reflect on the mercies of God and the transformative power in their lives.

Perhaps his biggest accomplishment this far would be the impact his ministry has had across the African continent and his passion to align himself and his ministry with God’s will.

Despite his growing influence in gospel music, Boaz remains humble and committed to his craft. He credits his musical inspiration to gospel greats such as John Lisu, Fanuel Sedekia, and Reuben Kagame, while drawing additional influence from internationally acclaimed artist Michael W. Smith. His journey in music is a testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to ministry