Abigail Anthony Chamungwana (born May 7, 2003), professionally known as Abigail Chams or Abby Chams, is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and youth activist.[1] Known for her genre-defying sound that blends Bongo Flava, Afropop, R&B, and traditional Tanzanian influences, she is regarded as one of the most promising musical talents in East Africa[2]. She is signed to Sony Music Africa[3][4][5] and gained global recognition following her nomination at the 2025 BET Awards - Best New International Act category[6], becoming the first solo female artist from East Africa to receive this nomination[7][8].
In addition to her music, Chams is a UNICEF Youth Advocate[9], an ambassador for Spotify EQUAL Africa in 2023[10][11][12], and the founder of the Teen Talks With Abby Chams initiative focused on mental health and youth empowerment.[13][14]
Music career
Born into a musical family, Abby Chams' grandfather was a music director of an orchestra also her grandmother was a singer in the church choir,[15] she started learning piano when she was five and mastered the violin by eight she also mastered guitar, drummer and flute.
She started her career by posting music covers on her social accounts. She has collaborated with top Tanzanian musical artists like Rayvanny and Harmonize (singer). She has also worked with foreign musical artists like Jekalyn Carr.
Sixteen months after signing with Sony Music, Abigail Chams announced her first EP titled 5. Following this announcement, she released Milele as the second lead single, after Nani featuring Marioo, which had been released a year after signing the recording deal. Enky Frank, a writer for Simulizi na Sauti (SnS), praised Abigail Chams as a valuable talent essential to the history of Bongo Flava music. He described her as a Tanzanian musician who delivers Bongo Flava at an international standard, backed by formal musical education and exceptional multi-instrumental skills..[19]
Debut EP: 5
Abigail Chams released her debut EP 5 on September 29, 2023. Featuring six tracks that reflect key aspects of her life—faith, family, passion for music, personal journey, and excellence. The EP celebrated her East African roots and achieved commercial success, debuting at number one in Tanzania and number three in Africa.[20] Its lead single, "Nani?", topped Tanzanian charts within 24 hours and remained at number one for six weeks. She also became one of the first East African artists featured on Apple Music’s The Dotty Show[21].
'Me Too': Single With Harmonize
“Me Too”, a collaboration between Abigail Chams and Harmonize released in early 2025, received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences[22][23]. The song quickly gained commercial success, reaching the number one position on Tanzania’s Apple Music chart, marking a significant achievement for Abigail Chams as one of the leading female artists in the Bongo Flava genre[24]. The official music video amassed millions of views on YouTube within weeks, further solidifying the track’s popularity. Media outlets praised the song for its emotive lyrics and the strong vocal chemistry between the two artists, describing it as a compelling and heartfelt love anthem[25]. Industry analysts have noted the song’s potential to achieve international recognition, citing its commercial performance and artistic quality as indicators of Abigail Chams’s growing influence in the global music scene[26].
Recognition by Rolling Stone Africa and Musical Philosophy
In 2025, Abigail Chams was featured by Rolling Stone Africa as one of its "Future of Music" cover artists, recognized for her distinctive position in East African pop. Described as a classically trained multi-instrumentalist fluent in Swahili, English, and French, she was noted for her musical versatility and intentional creative approach.[27]
BET Awards Nomination
In 2025, Abigail Chams made history by becoming the first female artist from East Africa to be nominated for the BET Award for Best New International Act.[28][29] At just 22 years old, her nomination not only represented a personal milestone but also marked a significant achievement for the Tanzanian and East African music industry[30][31]. Her recognition on this global platform highlighted the growing influence of East African artists and served as a powerful symbol of the region’s rising presence in the international music scene[32].
The Talk With Abby Chams is a youth mental health initiative founded in 2019 by Tanzanian musician and UNICEF Youth Advocate Abigail Chams. It aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health by creating safe spaces for young people to openly discuss their challenges. The program partners with schools, universities, and mental health institutions across Tanzania to offer support through school clubs, campus programs, and psychoeducation—especially during exam periods.[38] It was featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show for its impact and hosts an annual event that blends mental health advocacy with entertainment, panel discussions, and performances[39].
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