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.
Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, professionally known as Diamond Platnumz, is a Tanzanian bongo flava recording artist, dancer, philanthropist and businessman. He is the founder and CEO of WCB Wasafi Record Label, Wasafi Bet and Wasafi Media. Diamond has gained a massive following in East and Central Africa. He became the first Africa-based artist to reach 900 million views on YouTube.
Vanessa Hau Mdee, is a Tanzanian singer, rapper, television personality and radio host. Mdee is popularly known for being the first ever Tanzanian MTV VJ. She later rose to prominence as a radio and TV host, hosting Epic Bongo Star Search and Dume Challenge for ITV Tanzania before signing to B'Hits Music Group in late 2012.
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.
Tudd Thomas Sanga, popularly known by his career name Tudd Thomas, is a Tanzanian music producer, sound engineer, singer and songwriter. He has been a producer for Tanzania House of Talents (THT) for more than four years.
Rajab Abdul Kahali, also known by his stage name Harmonize, is a Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artist, and entrepreneur. harmonize dream was to play football. He says this in his song called matatizo
Raymond Shaban, better known by his stage name Rayvanny, is a Tanzanian musician, songwriter and recording artist who was signed under WCB Wasafi record label until July 2022. He was born and raised in Nzovwe ward of Mbeya city, located in Mbeya Region. He is the most successful bongo flava musician in Tanzania from Mbeya region. His songs are mainly in Swahili. He is also the founder and CEO of Next Level Music. Rayvanny is best known by his song "Kwetu", which introduced him to the world. Rayvanny was mentioned by MTV Base among "Acts To Look Out For" in 2017.
Faustina Charles Mfinanga, popularly known by her stage name Nandy is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and actress. She was born and raised in the town of Moshi, Tanzania in the Kilimanjaro Region. She won the All Africa Music Awards twice in the best female artist in East Africa category in 2017 and 2020.
A Boy from Tandale is the third studio album by Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz - following Kamwambie (2010) and Lala Salama (2012). It was released on March 14, 2018, by Universal Music Group. After joining Universal Music Group in 2017, Diamond began working on the songs which would be used on the album. Musically, A Boy from Tandale is an afro-pop, Bongo Flava album that displays influences of music from West of Africa - especially Nigeria.
Zuhura Othman Soud better known by her stage name Zuchu, is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter born on November 22,1993 in Zanzibar. She is currently based in Dar es Salaam and is signed to WCB Wasafi record label.
Mbwana Yusuf Kilungi, better known by his stage name Mbosso Khan is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter born in Kibiti, Pwani Region, he is currently based in Dar es Salaam and signed under WCB Wasafi record label. Mbosso is known for his songs "Nadekezwa" and "Hodari" which won Video of the Year at HiPipo Awards 2019. Mbosso released his debut studio album, Definition of Love, in March 2021.
Salmin Kasimu Maengo popularly known by his producer-artist name S2KIZZY, is a Tanzanian record producer and songwriter. He is best known for producing Bongo Flava songs "Amaboko" and "Tetema" by Rayvanny featuring Diamond platnumz. He has produced albums for and overseen the careers of Diamond Platnumz, Rayvanny, Bill Nass and Vanessa Mdee. He is credited as a 'super-producer' in contemporary Bongo-Flava, Bongo-Trap, Afrobeats and Afro-pop.
Kenned David Sanga, also known by his pseudonym "Director Kenny", Tanzanian music video director, cinematographer and film director from Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
Omary Ally Mwanga, known professionally as Marioo, is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He is known for his hits such as Bia Tamu, Mama Amina, Dear Ex, Raha, Mi Amor and Naogopa, songs that have made him a household name in Tanzania.
Abdul Juma Idd better known by his stage name Lava Lava is a Tanzanian singer signed under WCB Wasafi record label. His hit songs such as Saula, Nga'ring'ari, Habibi, Tuna Kikao and Tajiri have made a household in Tanzania. He is known for his signature Bongo Flava sound and Baibuda music style.
Romeo George alias RJ The DJ and Romy Jon(e)s is a Tanzanian DJ, record producer and television actor.
Marianne Namshali Mdee popularly known by her stage name Mimi Mars is a Tanzanian singer, actress and media personality.
Sarah Michael Kitinga is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter. Her songs such as Rara, Superwoman, Manu, Sponsor, Sisi Ndo Wale and Upo Nyonyo which was placed number 62 by Nigerian music website NotJustOk on their list of the best Tanzanian songs of the decade ranging from 2012 to 2022, made her household name in Tanzania. Throughout her career Phina has collaborated with different music heavyweights including Jux, Otile Brown, Jay Melody and Ruby.
