Baraka Andrew Odiero, professionally known by his stage name Barakah The Prince or Baraka Da Prince, is a Tanzanian musician, singer, and songwriter. [1] Born on February 13, 1994, in Mwanza, Tanzania. [2] In 2015, he won the Best Upcoming Artist award at the Kilimanjaro Music Awards. [3]
Barakah The Prince | |
---|---|
Birth name | Baraka Andrew Odiero |
Also known as | Barakah Da Prince |
Born | Mwanza, Tanzania | February 13, 1994
Origin | Kisumu, Kenya |
Genres | Bongo Flava |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
Instrument | Vocal |
Years active | 2007–present |
Barakah's professional music journey began in 2007 when he officially ventured into Bongo Flava. However, his early musical exposure came from participating in his church choir, where he worked closely with his brother. His breakthrough came in 2013 when he was signed by Tetemesha Entertainment. [4] During this time, Barakah gained recognition with his hit song Jichunge. [5] He further cemented his position in the industry with songs like Siachani Nawe, [6] Nivumilie, [7] Siwezi, and Nisamehe. [8]
In 2014, Barakah shared the stage with international stars such as T.I., Davido, and Waje during the annual Serengeti Fiesta music festival, [9] elevating his presence in the East African music scene. He is also credited with writing the song Nasimamaf or Lady Jaydee. [10]
Barakah's journey through various management teams and labels has been marked by frequent changes. He was initially signed to Tetemesha Entertainment in 2013, [11] where he worked on some of his early hits. However, by 2015, he left the label due to unresolved issues. [12] He then signed with Royal Nsyepa, where he released the popular song Siwezi. [13] Despite the success, Barakah parted ways with Royal Nsyepa due to disagreements, joining Rockstar4000 in 2016. [14] His time at Rockstar4000 saw him tour several African countries and collaborate with top musicians. However, in 2017, Barakah left the label to form his own, Bana Music [15] [16] [17]
Though Barakah has kept much of his personal life private, he previously dated Najma Dattan, [18] popularly known as Naj. Their relationship was widely publicized due to their partnership in Bana Music. [19]
Barakah The Prince remains one of the most influential figures in Tanzanian R&B and Bongo Flava music. His journey, though filled with challenges, showcases his resilience and dedication to his craft. His story also sheds light on the complexities of the music industry, especially in balancing creative freedom and business management. [20]
Bongo Flava is a nickname for Tanzanian music. The genre developed in the 1990s, mainly as a derivative of American hip hop and traditional Tanzanian styles such as taarab and dansi. Lyrics are usually in Swahili or English.
The 13th edition of the Tanzania Music Awards took place at the Mlimani City Conference Center in Dar es Salaam, on Saturday 14 April 2012. The event was anchored by Vanessa Mdee and Millard Ayo. The nominees were announced on 8 February 2012 with Bongo Flava artist Diamond Platnumz topping the list with seven nominations. Two days after the list was released, four-time nominee Dully Sykes announced his withdrawal from the event. He stated 'it does not contribute to my growth whatsoever, and this contest is full of lies'. After leaving the 2011 Tanzania Music Awards empty-handed, Diamond Platnumz made a return by winning three awards, including Best Male Artist and Best Video.
Emmanuel Mkono, known by his stage name Nahreel, is a Tanzanian Afro beats / Dancehall recording artist and record producer.
Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu is a Tanzanian lawyer, CHADEMA politician and Member of Parliament for Singida East constituency from 2010 to 2020.
Ali Saleh Kiba, best known as Ali Kiba or occasionally as King Kiba, is a Tanzanian musician and songwriter. He is one of the most talented musicians in East Africa and mostly considered the King of Bongo Flava music Genre. He is from Kigoma and the owner of Kings Music label and the Crown Media Group. With hit songs such as Mwana, Aje, Chekecha Cheketua, Cinderella, Nakshi Mrembo, Usiniseme, Dushelele, Single Boy with Lady Jaydee, Mapenzi Yana Run Dunia,mahaba,mama with legendary yvone chaka chaka and Macmuga. Ali Kiba is usually regarded as one of the most successful Bongo Flava stars usually associated with close rivalry with Diamond Platnumz.
Benard Michael Paul Mnyang'anga better known by his stage name Ben Pol, is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter from Dar es salaam, Tanzania. On January 5, 2024, Ben Pol released his highly anticipated third album 'Flamingo', which Simulizi Na Sauti's music critic, Enky Frank described the album as an educational package for love, lifestyle and daily activities
William Nicholaus Lyimo, popularly known by his stage name Bill Nass, is a Tanzanian rapper of Chagga heritage, he was born in Tanga, Tanga Region. MTV Base named him among the "50 Artists To Watch For In 2017". He is currently based in Dar es Salaam. Months after the release of his debut single "Raha", Lyimo was nominated on 2015's Kilimanjaro Tanzania Music Awards (KTMA) as a "New Best Artist".
Elias Barnabas Inyasi who is predominantly known by his stage names, Barnaba Classic and Barnaba boy is a singer, songwriter and performer from Tanzania.
Aslay Isihaka Nassoro known by his stage names Aslay, Dogo Aslay and Dingi mtoto is singer from Tanzania and a former lead vocalist for a music band, Yamoto.
Richard Frank Satterthwaite, popularly known as Richard Mabala, is a British-born Tanzanian author, social activist, columnist and academic, predominantly recognized for his tale books Hawa The Bus Driver, Mabala The Farmer and Run Free which won him a CODE's Burt Award for African Literature.
Albert Keneth Mangweha who used aliases; Ngwair, Mangwea, Mangwair, and Ngwea was a Tanzanian hip hop artist predominantly known for his freestyle punchlines and hardcore rap style.
Shariff Thabit Ramadhan, better known by his stage name Darassa is a Tanzanian hip hop artist, recognized for his 2016 hit song 'Muziki', featuring Ben Pol.
Marianne Namshali Mdee popularly known by her stage name Mimi Mars is a Tanzanian singer, actress and media personality.
Salmin Ismail Hoza, professionally known by his stage name Kusah, is a Tanzanian musician, singer and songwriter. He started getting attention as a songwriter but later rose to stardom after releasing songs such as Kelele, No Time, I Don't Care and I Wish which made him a household name in Tanzania.
John Simon Mseke, popularly known by his stage name Joh Makini, is a Tanzanian hip hop recording artist and composer.
Sharif Said Juma, popularly known by his stage name as Jay Melody is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter.
Damian Innocent Mihayo, professionally known as Damian Soul, is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, composer, and guitarist.
Frida Amani Bakula, known profesionally as Frida Amani, is a Tanzanian rapper, singer, songwriter, environmentalist, activist, and Media personality.
Mkuwe Isale, professionally known as Mamy Baby, is a Tanzanian radio presenter and media personality.
Hamisi Burhani Mandi, popularly known as B Dozen or simply B12, is a Tanzanian radio personality working with the Tanzanian media company Clouds Media. In 2013, B12 was named one of the best radio presenters in Africa by Channel O. He also owns the clothing line Born to Shine which has been worn by popular celebrities such as Akon, Terrance J, Diamond Platnumz, Davido, Vanessa Mdee, Alikiba and Wizkid