{{short description|Tanzanian rapper of Chagga origin from Tanga Region}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}} {{Infobox musical artist | birth_name = William Nicholaus Lyimo | birth_date = {{birth date and age |df=yes|1993|04|11}} | birth_place = Tanga Region, {{flag|Tanzania}} | spouse = Nandy (singer) | genre = Bongo flava • Tanzanian hip hop • Rap | instrument = Vocal | occupation = Rapper, songwriter, singer | label = LFLG | associated_acts = Nandy, Marioo, ROMA, Mwana Fa, TID, Harmonize, Gnako, Shetta, Dayna Nyange, Whozu | image = | caption = Bill Nass in October 2020<br>Nass In October 2020 | years_active = 2014 – present
}}
'''William Nicholaus Lyimo''' (born 11 April 1993), popularly known by his stage name '''Bill Nass''', is a Tanzanian rapper of Chagga heritage. He was born in the Tanga Region.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who Is Bill Nass;.|url=https://www.newafricanlegacy.com/p/who-is-bill-nass-rapper-from-tanzania.html|access-date=2020-12-02|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202206/https://www.newafricanlegacy.com/p/who-is-bill-nass-rapper-from-tanzania.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Coke Studio Africa – Artist – Bill Nass|url=http://www.coca-cola.co.ug/cokestudio/home/artists/season05/bill-nass/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=www.coca-cola.co.ug|language=en|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630230209/http://www.coca-cola.co.ug/cokestudio/home/artists/season05/bill-nass/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-09-19|title=Bill Nass|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/directory/bill-nass|access-date=2020-11-11|website=Music In Africa|language=en}}</ref> MTV Base named him among the "50 Artists To Watch For In 2017". He is currently based in Dar es Salaam.<ref>{{Cite web|title=acts to lookout for in 2017 {{!}} MTV Africa|url=http://www.mtvbase.com/news/acts-to-lookout-for-in-2017/vnwv7i|access-date=2020-11-24|website=www.mtvbase.com|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115195710/http://www.mtvbase.com/news/acts-to-lookout-for-in-2017/vnwv7i|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-02-14|title=MTV Base releases list of artists to watch in 2017|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/mtv-base-releases-list-artists-watch-2017|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Music In Africa|language=en}}</ref> Months after the release of his debut single "Raha",<ref>{{Cite web|last=djmwanga|date=2014-12-21|title=New AUDIO {{!}} Bill Nas Ft Nazizi – Raha {{!}} Download|url=https://djmwanga.com/2014/12/new-audio-bill-nas-ft-nazizi-raha.html|access-date=2020-11-09|website=DJ Mwanga|language=en-US}}</ref> Lyimo was nominated as the "New Best Artist" at the 2015's Kilimanjaro Tanzania Music Awards (KTMA).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-29|title=Majina ya wateule wa KTMA 2015 yatangazwa|url=http://bongo5.com/majina-ya-wateule-wa-ktma-2015-yatangazwa-04-2015/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Bongo5.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nominees wa Kilimanjaro Music Awards 2015 {{!}} East Africa Television|url=https://www.eatv.tv/news/entertainment/nominees-wa-kilimanjaro-music-awards-2015|access-date=2020-11-24|website=www.eatv.tv|language=en}}</ref> He won the 2022 Tanzania Music Award for Best Male Hip Hop Artist.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-25 |title=How Tanzanian artist Billnass blends music, culture, youth empowerment through hip hop |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/magazines/how-tanzanian-artist-billnass-blends-music-culture-youth-empowerment-through-hip-hop-5131080 |access-date=2025-08-24 |website=The Citizen |language=en}}</ref>
Over the following ten years, he released multiple songs, collaborated with other artists, and received various awards. In 2021, he founded his own record label, Mafioso Inc. His single ''Puuh'', featuring Jay Melody, reached number one on Boomplay charts for six weeks and accumulated over 51 million streams. Billnass has remained a notable figure in the Tanzanian music industry and continues to maintain a significant following on digital platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-12 |title=Miaka 10 ya Billnass katika Bongofleva ilivyotimia |url=https://www.mwanaspoti.co.tz/ms/burudani/miaka-10-ya-billnass-katika-bongofleva-ilivyotimia-4489872 |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=Mwanaspoti |language=en}}</ref>
== Early life and education == William Nicholaus Lyimo was born on 11 April 1993, at Bombo Hospital in Tanga Tanzania to Chagga parents from Kilimanjaro Region.<ref>{{Cite web|last=TZA|first=Edwin|title=EXCLUSIVE: Billnas na historia yake toka kitambo hicho..(VIDEO) – Millardayo.com|url=https://millardayo.com/f30/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=millardayo.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
Bill Nass started his primary education at Mbuyuni Primary School in Tanga from 2000 to 2003 then moved to Mkunguni Primary School in Kinondoni Dar es Salaam. He later joined Oysterbay Secondary School from 2007 to 2010 where he completed his secondary studies. From 2011 to 2013, he studied for a Diploma in Procurement and Supplies Management at the College Of Business Education at Dar es Salaam Campus. In 2014, he rejoined the college until 2017 where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Procurement and Supplies Management.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-11-11|title=Done deal kwa Bill Nass kwa kugemua katika elimu|url=http://bongo5.com/done-deal-kwa-bill-nass-kwa-kugemua-katika-elimu-11-2017/|access-date=2020-11-24|website=Bongo5.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=TZA|first=Victor Kileo|title=PICHA 21: Leo ni graduation ya Billnass, kachukua Degree yake CBE – Millardayo.com|url=https://millardayo.com/jsai/|access-date=2020-11-24|website=millardayo.com|language=en-US}}</ref>
== Career == MTV Base named him as one of the "Best 50 Artists to Watch For In 2017". Later In 2017, Bill Nass made his debut on Coke Studio Africa as a Big Breakthrough Artist, where he performed alongside Uganda's Sheeba and Ethiopia's Asgegenew.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Coke Studio Africa – Artist – Bill Nass|url=http://www.coca-cola.co.ug/cokestudio/home/artists/season05/bill-nass/|access-date=2020-11-09|website=www.coca-cola.co.ug|language=en|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630230209/http://www.coca-cola.co.ug/cokestudio/home/artists/season05/bill-nass/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Coke Studio Africa – Artist – Bill Nass|url=http://www.coca-cola.co.mz/cokestudio/home/artists/season05/bill-nass/|access-date=2020-11-21|website=www.coca-cola.co.mz|language=en|archive-date=10 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010204015/http://www.coca-cola.co.mz/cokestudio/home/artists/season05/bill-nass/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-09-08|title=Tanzanian rapper Bill Nass gets big break on Coke Studio {{!}} Notjustok East Africa|url=https://notjustok.com/eastafrica/music/tanzanian-rapper-bill-nass-gets-big-break-on-coke-studio/|access-date=2020-12-03|website=Latest East African & Bongo Flava Music, Songs & Video - Notjustok|language=en-US}}</ref>
Lyimo has performed several times on Fiesta, a concert that has been managed by Clouds Fm Radio for years. Also in 2019, he performed on Wasafi Festival's<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-11-11|title=Diamond, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage make history at Wasafi Festival (Photos)|language=en-KE|work=Pulse Live Kenya|url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/diamond-wizkid-and-tiwa-savage-bring-dar-es-salaam-to-a-standstill-with-electrifying/q3nnd5w|access-date=2020-11-11|archive-date=12 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210612140117/https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/diamond-wizkid-and-tiwa-savage-bring-dar-es-salaam-to-a-standstill-with-electrifying/q3nnd5w|url-status=dead}}</ref> stage.
Through his Instagram page, Bill Nass shared the advent of "Love Tour" with his fiancée Nandy with whom he has collaborated in various songs like "Bugana"<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mutali|first=Branny|date=2019-09-09|title=Nandy back on the scene with "Bugana" and features New by Kidd Billnass and he doesn't disappoint|url=http://www.ghafla.com/ke/nandy-back-on-the-scene-with-bugana-and-features-new-by-kidd-billnass-and-he-doesnt-disappoint/|access-date=2020-12-03|website=Ghafla! Kenya|language=en-US}}</ref> and "Do Me".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Muendo|first=Stevens|title=Do Me: Tanzania's Nandy and fiancé Billnass release steamy collabo|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/showbiz/2001391084/do-me-tanzanias-nandy-and-fiance-billnass-release-steamy-collabo|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Standard Entertainment and Lifestyle|language=en}}</ref>
As of September 2025, Bill Nass has an approximately 8 million followers on his digital platforms.
'''Awards'''
He won the Best Hip Hop Artist in 2022 at the Tanzania Music Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.tanzaniamusicawards.info |first=TMA |title= |url=}}</ref>
In April 2025, Bill Nass was named Best Male Rapper East Africa at the East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards (EAEA), recognizing his contributions to the East African hip-hop scene. Competing with prominent rappers from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, he won the award for his artistry, innovation, and influence. The accolade highlighted both his individual achievements and the growing prominence of Tanzanian rap within the regional music industry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Enky |date=2025-09-09 |title=BillNass Crowned Best Male Rapper East Africa 2025 |url=https://fntaz.com/billnass-crowned-best-male-rapper-east-africa-2025/ |access-date=2025-09-09 |website=Fntaz |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Chuo Kwa Chuo By Nenga === Chuo Kwa Chuo is a youth-focused initiative launched by Bill Nass in 2024. It involved touring universities and colleges across Tanzania with a mix of live performances, talent competitions, and educational discussions on issues like mental health and entrepreneurship. The project aimed to empower students, promote local talent, and merge music with learning. While it was widely praised, one incident at TIA Dar es Salaam sparked online debate, leading Bill Nass to issue a public apology. Overall, Chuo Kwa Chuo has been recognized as a creative platform connecting music, culture, and youth empowerment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-25 |title=How Tanzanian artist Billnass blends music, culture, youth empowerment through hip hop |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/magazines/how-tanzanian-artist-billnass-blends-music-culture-youth-empowerment-through-hip-hop-5131080 |access-date=2025-08-07 |website=The Citizen |language=en}}</ref>
== Personal life == In 2018, Lyimo and his wife Nandy, were shortly detained by the Tanzanian authorities for sharing what was considered as indecent online content.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Serem|first=Queen|date=2018-06-05|title='I apologize for my leaked s3x tape' says singer Nandy|url=https://mpasho.co.ke/mpasho-exclusive-i-apologize-leaked-s3x-tape-says-singer-nandy/|access-date=2020-11-21|website=Mpasho News|language=en-GB|archive-date=24 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124003512/https://mpasho.co.ke/mpasho-exclusive-i-apologize-leaked-s3x-tape-says-singer-nandy|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Lyimo proposed to Nandy early in 2020 on a live TV show.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Katunge|first=Gloria|date=2020-04-15|title=Watch: Tanzanian rapper, Bill Nass confirms his undying love for songbird, Nandy by putting a ring on it!|url=http://www.ghafla.com/ke/watch-tanzanian-rapper-bill-nass-confirms-his-undying-love-for-songbird-nandy-by-putting-a-ring-on-it/|access-date=2020-12-09|website=Ghafla! Kenya|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-11|title=Rapper Bill Nass proposes to singer Nandy during live performance (Video)|url=https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/rapper-bill-nass-proposes-to-singer-nandy-during-live-performance-video/e9bwyl9|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Pulse Live Kenya|language=en-US|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030225600/https://www.pulselive.co.ke/entertainment/rapper-bill-nass-proposes-to-singer-nandy-during-live-performance-video/e9bwyl9|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Entertainment|first=Standard|title=Why my wedding to Nandy hasn't yet happened- Rapper Billnass|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/news/2001377882/why-my-wedding-to-nandy-hasnt-yet-happened-rapper-billnass|access-date=2020-11-09|website=Standard Entertainment and Lifestyle|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Katunge|first=Gloria|date=2020-04-24|title=Publicity stunt? Tanzanian rapper, Bill Nass clears the air on surprise proposal to Nandy|url=http://www.ghafla.com/ke/publicity-stunt-tanzanian-rapper-bill-nass-clears-the-air-on-surprise-proposal-to-nandy/|access-date=2020-11-28|website=Ghafla! Kenya|language=en-US}}</ref>
They officially tied the knot in 2022 in a wedding attended by close friends and family. Since then, they have been open about their relationship and their desire to build a strong, loving family. In 2024, there were rumours about the couple expecting a second child.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-24 |title=Billnass and Nandy expecting baby number two |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/entertainment/billnass-and-nandy-expecting-baby-number-two-4634280 |access-date=2025-09-08 |website=The Citizen |language=en}}</ref> As of 2025, they are publicly known to have one child.
== Discography == {| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Song !Collaborated Artist |- |2025 |Boda |Mbosso |- | |How Come |Sir Holly, Jaivah |- |2024 |Number One |Mbosso |- | |Cancer Freestyle | |- | |Maboss |Jux |- | |Kinamba Namba |G Nako, Whozu, Apuki & DJ Joozey |- | |Magetoni | |- |2023 |Maokoto |Marioo |- |2022 |Puuh <ref>{{Cite web |last=TZA |first=Edwin |title=Slide Digital watoa takwimu za wimbo wa Billnas ‘Puuh’, Tiktok, Youtube na Boomplay yang’ara |url=https://millardayo.com/takwiu43/ |access-date=2022-12-28 |website=Millard Ayo |language=en-US}}</ref> |Jay Melody |- | |Utaonaje |Rayvanny |- | |Bye |Nandy |- | |Chetu | |- |2021 |Tit For Tat |Rilvin |- | |Tatizo | |- |2020 |Huna Baya |Meja Kunta |- | |Do Me |Nandy |- | |Tumeokoka |Shetta, Gnako |- | |Deka |Marioo |- |2019 |Bugana |Nandy |- | |Funga Geti |Roma |- | |Mafioso | |- | |Naleft | |- |2018 |Tagi Ubavu | |- | |Kwa Leo |Whozu |- | |Labda | |- |2017 |Sina Jambo | |- | |[https://yingamedia.com/song/bill-nass-ft-mwana-fa-mazoea/ Mazoea] |Mwana FA |- |2016 |Chafu Pozi | |- |2015 |[https://yingamedia.com/song/billnass-ft-tid-ligi-ndogo/ Ligi Ndogo] |TID |- |2014 |Demu Gani |Barnaba |- | |Raha |Naazizi |}
== References == {{reflist}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Nass, Bill}} Category:1993 births Category:Living people Category:Tanzanian rappers Category:People from Dar es Salaam Category:People from Kilimanjaro Region Category:Tanzanian Christians Category:21st-century Tanzanian male singers Category:Tanzanian Bongo Flava musicians Category:21st-century rappers