Ambwene Allen Yessayah, popularly known as A-Y, was born in Mtwara, Tanzania to Mr. Allen Yessayah (Late) and Mrs. Lydia Yessayah. He is a hip-hop and Bongo flava musician from Tanzania. He is seen as one of East Africa's biggest artistes, getting good airplay in Kenya and Uganda as well.

He nurtured dreams of being a pilot before he got into music. He ended up studying Information technology and financial management. He started with S.O.G in 1996; a Tanzanian rap group made up of Benjamin Gamba a.k,a Buff G, Adam a.k.a Snare and himself.