As it is in other countries, the music in Tanzania is constantly undergoing changes, and varies by location, people, settings and occasion. The five music genres in Tanzania, as defined by BASATA are, ngoma, dansi, kwaya, and taarab, with bongo flava being added in 2001. Singeli has since the mid-2000s been an unofficial music of uswahilini for unplanned communities in Dar es Salaam, and is the newest mainstream genre since 2020.
Bongo Flava is a nickname for Tanzanian music. The genre was 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.
Dully Sykes is a Tanzanian Bongo Flava musician, songwriter, record producer and composer.
Rajab Abdul Kaha, 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.
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
Mwasiti Almas Yusuph popularly known as Mwasiti, is a singer and songwriter of Afropop, Zouk and Bongo Flava music from Tanzania. She is best known for her single "Nalivua Pendo," which was number one on the Tanzania radio charts for eight consecutive weeks and won "Best Zouk Song" at the 2009 Tanzania Music Awards.
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 Kilimanjaro Region. She won the All Africa Music Awards twice as the best female artist in East Africa in 2017 and 2020.
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.
William Nicholaus Lyimo, popularly known by his stage name Bill Nass, is a Tanzanian rapper of Chagga heritage, he was born in 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 the "New Best Artist".
Juma Mussa Mkambala, known professionally by his stage name Jux, is a Tanzanian artist and songwriter.
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 and East Africa in general.
Elias Barnabas Inyasi who is predominantly known by his stage names, Barnaba Classic and Barnaba boy is a singer, songwriter and performer from Tanzania.
Abigail Chamungwana, largely known by her stage names Abigail Chams and Abby Chams, is a Tanzanian multi-instrumentalist, social activist and a singer signed under Sony Music. She was born in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
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.
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.
Sarah Michael Kitinga is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter who is well known as Phina or Saraphina. 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.
Maua Sama is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter. She is known for her song "Iokote" (2018).
Bruce Elias Sanane, popularly known by his stage name Bruce Africa, is a singer and songwriter from Tanzania. His music journey began in childhood, and he has since emerged as a notable figure in the Tanzanian music industry, blending Afro-pop, R&B, and Bongo Flava.
