It was first released in 1982 by Kenyan band Them Mushrooms, and later covered by a number of other groups and artists, including Mombasa Roots, Safari Sound Band, Khadja Nin, Adam Solomon, Mani Kollengode,[1][2] and the German group Boney M. Some versions come under different titles, such as "Jambo Jambo" and "Hakuna Matata".

[3] "Jambo Bwana" by Them Mushrooms was a huge commercial success, selling over 200,000 copies between 1982 and 1987 and getting platinum certification in Kenya.

The Safari Sound Band version "Jambo Jambo" has the central part of the lyrics changed, with references to reggae and mushrooms being replaced by other tourist-oriented common Swahili phrases such as Kenya ni nchi nzuri ("Kenya is a beautiful country").

Liz Mitchell provided the song's lead vocals, backed by Reggie Tsiboe, Frank Farian, Marcia Barrett, Cathy Bartney, Madeleine Davis, and Judy Cheeks.

The single was intended to be included in the group's untitled seventh album, to be released in the fall of 1983, but didn't happen.