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| Music of Tanzania | ||||
| Genres | ||||
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| Media and performance | ||||
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| Nationalistic and patriotic songs | ||||
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| Regional music | ||||
Tanzania Music Awards are national music awards held annually in Tanzania. They are also known as the Kilimanjaro Music Awards or the Kili Music Awards after their sponsor (Kilimanjaro Premium Lager). The awards were established in 1999 by the National Arts Council (BASATA) under the Tanzanian Ministry of Education and Culture. [1]
List of Top Artist 2022: [2]
| Category | Artist | Track |
|---|---|---|
| Best Male Singer | Banana Zorro | |
| Best Female Singer | Lady Jaydee | |
| Best Song Writer | Mzee Yusuf | |
| Best Upcoming Artist | Diamond Platnumuz | |
| Best Hip hop Artist | Chid Beenz | |
| Best Rapper (from a Band) | Kitokololo | |
| Best Song | Diamond Platnumz | 'Kamwambie' |
| Best Music Video | CPwaa | 'Problems' |
| Best Afro Pop Song | Marlaw | 'Pii Pii' |
| Best R&B Song | Diamond Platnumz | 'Kamwambie' |
| Best Hip Hop Song | Joh Makini | 'Stimu Zimelipiwa' |
| Best Collaboration Song | AT ft Stara Thomas | 'Nipigie' |
| Best Swahili Song (from a Band) | African Stars Band | 'Mwana Dar es Salaam' |
| Best Album (from a Band) | African Stars Band | 'Mwana Dar es Salaam' |
| Best Ragga/Dancehall Song | Bwana Misosi | 'Mungu Yuko Bize' |
| Best Reggae Song | AY ft Wahu | 'Leo (Reggae remix)' |
| Best Taarab Song | Jahazi Modern Taraab | 'Daktari wa Mapenzi' |
| Best Taarab [5] Album | Jahazi Modern Taraab | 'Daktari wa Mapenzi' |
| Best East African Song | Kidumu and Juliana | 'Haturudi Nyuma' |
| Best Traditional Song | Mrisho Mpoto | 'Nikipata Nauli' |
| Best Producer | Lamar | |
| Hall of Fame trophy |
|
| Category | Artist | Track |
|---|---|---|
| Best Male Artist | 20 Percent | |
| Best Female Artist | Lady Jaydee | |
| Best Male Singer | 20 Percent | |
| Best Female Singer | Linah Sanga | |
| Best Song Writer | 20 Percent | |
| Best Upcoming Artist | Linah Sanga | |
| Best Hip Hop Artist | Joh Makini | |
| Best Rapper (from a Band) | Khalid Chokoraa | |
| Best Song | 20 Percent | 'Tamaa Mbaya' [6] |
| Best music video | CPWAA ft Ms. Triniti, Albert Mangwea & Dully Sykes | 'Action' |
| Best Afro Pop Song | 20 Percent | 'Ya Nini Malumbano' |
| Best R&B Song | Ben Pol | 'Nikikupata' |
| Best Zouk/Rumba Song | Barnaba Classic | 'Nabembelezwa' |
| Best Hip Hop Song | JCB ft Fid Q & Chidi Benz | 'Ukisikia Paah' |
| Best Collaboration Song | JCB ft Fid Q & Chidi Benz & Jay Moe | 'Ukisikia Paah' |
| Best Swahili Song (from a Band) | Mapacha Watatu ft Mzee Yusuph | 'Shika Ushikapo' |
| Best Ragga/Dancehall Song | CPWAA ft Ms. Triniti, Albert Mangwea & Dully Sykes | 'Action' |
| Best Reggae Song | Hardmad ft Enika & BNV | 'Ujio Mpya' |
| Best Taarab Song | Jahazi Modern Taarab | 'My Valentine' |
| Best East African Song | Kidum & Lady Jaydee | 'Nitafanya' |
| Best Traditional Song | Mpoki Mjuni ft Cassim | 'Shangazi' |
| Best Producer | Lamar (Fish Crab) | |
| Hall of Fame trophy |
|
| Category | Artist | Track |
|---|---|---|
| Best Male Artist | Diamond Platnumz | |
| Best Female Artist | Khadija Kopa | |
| Best Male Singer | Barnaba Classic | |
| Best Female Singer | ||
| Best Song Writer | Supper Bass | |
| Best Upcoming Artist | Ommy Dimpoz | |
| Best Hip Hop Artist | Roma Mkatoliki | |
| Best Rapper (from a Band) | Kalijo Kitokololo | |
| Best Song | Suma Lee | 'Hakunaga' [7] [8] |
| Best Music Video | Diamond Platnumz | 'Moyo Wangu' |
| Best Afro Pop Song | Suma Lee | 'Hakunaga' |
| Best R&B Song | Nicki Minaj | 'You love' |
| Best Zouk/Rhumba Song | Ali Kiba | 'Dushelele' |
| Best Hip Hop Song | Roma Mkatoliki | 'Mathematics' |
| Best Collaboration Song | Ommy Dimpoz ft Ali Kiba | 'Nai Nai' |
| Best Swahili Song (from a Band) | African Stars Band | 'Dunia Daraja' |
| Best Ragga/Dancehall Song | Queen Darleen ft Dully Sykes | 'Maneno Maneno' |
| Best Reggae Song | Warrior from the East | 'Arusha Gold' |
| Best Taarab Song | Isha Mashauzi | 'Nani Kama Mama' |
| Best East African Song | Jaguar | 'Kigeugeu' |
| Best Traditional Song | AT & Mwanne | 'Vifuu Utundu' |
| Best Producer | Maneke (AM Records) | |
| Hall of Fame trophy |
|
| Category | Artist | Track |
|---|---|---|
| Best male artist | Diamond Platnumz | |
| Best Female Artist | Lady Jaydee | |
| Best Male Singer | Diamond | |
| Best Female Singer | Recho | |
| Best Song Writer | Ben Pol, Mzee Yusuf, Kala Jeremiah, Chalz Baba | |
| Best Upcoming Artist | Ally Nipishe | |
| Best Hip Hop Artist | Kala Jeremiah | |
| Best Rapper (from a Band) | Fagasoni/Ferguson | |
| Best Song | Kala Jeremiah | Dear God |
| Best Music Video | Ommy Dimpoz | Baadaye |
| Best Afro Pop Song | Ommy Dimpoz ft Vanessa Mdee | Me an You |
| Best R&B Song of the year | Rama Dee ft. Mapacha Watatu | Kuwa na subira |
| Best Zouk/Rhumba Song | Amini | |
| Best Hip Hop Song | Nay wa Mitego | Nasema Nao |
| Best Collaboration Song | Ommy Dimpoz ft Vanessa Mdee | Me and you |
| Best Swahili Song (from a Band) | Mashujaa Band | Risasi Kidole |
| Best Ragga/Dancehall Song | Dabo | Predator |
| Best Reggae Song | Kilimanjaro | Warriors from The East |
| Best Taarab Song | Mjini Chuo Kikuu Khadija Kopa | Mjini Chuo Kikuu |
| Best East African Song | Jose Chameleone | Valu Valu |
| Best upcoming songwriter | Master FFE | |
| Best Traditional Song | Chocheeni Kuni | Mrisho Mpoto ft Ditto |
| Best Producer | Man Walter | |
| Hall of Fame trophy |
|
| Category | Winner (work) | Nominee (work) | Nominee (work) | Nominee (work) | Nominee (work) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artist, (male) | Harmonize | Professor Jay | Ben Pol | Jux | Young Lunya |
| Artist, (female) | Nandy | Frida Amani | Joyce S. Mwaikofu | Christina Shusho | |
| Entertainer, ⟨male⟩ | Harmonize | Ali Kiba | Sholo Mwamba | Dulla Makabila | Whozu |
| Entertainer, ⟨female⟩ | Saraphina | Nandy | Shilole | Maua Sama | Anjella |
| Artist, emerging (male) | Rapcha | Kussah | Kinata MC | Lody Music | Damian Soul* |
| Artist, emerging (female) | Saraphina | Abby Chams | Marry G | Zuhura A. Lwodyah | Trixy Tonic |
| Artist, people's choice (male) | Ali Kiba | Harmonize | Professor Jay | Jux | Marioo |
| Artist, people's choice (female) | Nandy | Rosa Ree | Maua Sama | Mary G | Christina Shusho |
| Album | Ali Kiba (One King) | Harmonize (High School) | Weusi (Air Weusi) | Marco Chali (Ona) | Wakazi (Sauti za Busara Live) |
| Video | Ali Kiba (Salute) | Professor Jay (Utaniambia Nini) | Jux (Mapepe) | Kusah (I Wish) | Rapcha (Lisa) |
| Artist, East Africa | Ali Kiba | Alpha Rwirangira | Sauti Sol | Nandy | Eddy Kenzo |
| Artist, West Africa | Davido | Burna Boy | Wizkid | Tiwa Savage | Yemi Alade |
| Artist, South Africa | Sho Madjozi | Focalistic | Jay Rox | Cassper Nyovest | DJ Maphorisa |
| Song, bongo flava | Marioo (Beer Tamu) | Harmonize (Teacher) | Nandy (Nimekuzoea) | Jux (Sawa) | Maua Sama (Zai) |
| Artist, bongo flava (male) | Marioo | Harmonize | Ben Pol | Jux | Whozu |
| Artist, bongo flava (Female) | Nandy | Rosa Ree | Mary G | Saraphina | Anjella |
| Collabo, African | Harmonize (Attitude) | Nandy (Leo Leo) | Jux (Free Your Mind) | Marioo (Miamor) | Whozu (Chawa) |
| Artist, singeli (male) | Sholo Mwamba | Balaa MC | Kinata MC | Man Fongo | Meja Kunta |
| Artist, singeli (female) | Snura | Mimah | Rehema Khamis Tajiri | Lamona | |
| Song, singeli | Sholo Mwamba (Alowee) | Kinata MC (Do Lemi Go) | Balaa MC (Stress) | Kala Jeremiah (Wewe) | Fido (Ugaigai) |
| Artist, reggae/dancehall | Baddest 47 | Ras Squad | Dabo Mtanzania | Warriours From the East | Paul Raphael Mihambo |
| Song, reggae/dancehall | Baddest 47 (Unaota) | Arusha All Star (Mwenge) | Dabo Mtanzania (Propaganda) | Ras Squad (Queen) | Warriours from the East (Jambo Remix) |
| Artist, taarab (male) | Mzee Yusuph | Mwinyi Mkuu | |||
| Artist, taarab (female) | Khadija Yussuf | Sikudhani Ally | Nasra Shaban Abdallah | Fatma Mahmoud | Malkia Leyla Rashid |
| Song, taarab | Mzee Yusuph (Usinifokee) | Mwinyi Mkuu (Keep Talking) | DSM Taarab (Tunapwaga na Uhuru) | Mwanahamisi Pogoba (Roho Mbaya Ugonjwa) | |
| Artist, hip-hop (male) | Young Lunya | Professor Jay | Darassa | Rapcha | Nay Wa Mitego |
| Artist, hip-hop (female) | Chemical | Zuhura A. Lwodyah | Liss La Mode | Rosa Ree | Frida Amani |
| Lyricist | Professor Jay (Utaniambia Nini) | Ali Kiba (Utu) | Rapcha (Lisa) | Marioo (Miamor) | Darassa (Loyalty) |
| Composer, melody | Ali Kiba | Chege | Maarifa | Stamina | Marioo |
| Dancer, (female) | Baby Drama | ||||
| Director | Hanscana | Travellah | Joozey | Nicklass | Director S |
| Producer, bongo flava | Mr T Touch | S2kizzy | Kimambo | Yogo Beats | Bin Laden |
| Producer, hip-hop | S2kizzy | Mr T Touch | Kimambo | Yogo Beats | Bin Laden |
| Producer, singeli | Kenny Touchez (Do Lemi Go) | Kenny Touchez (Sawa) | |||
| *Note: Damian Soul is a long-established artist nominated to the 'emerging artist' category by mistake. | |||||
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, unplanned communities in Dar es Salaam, and is the newest mainstream genre since 2020.
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, with additional influences from reggae, R&B, and afrobeats, to form a unique style of music. Lyrics are usually in Swahili or English, although increasingly from mid 2000s there has been limited use of words from Sub-Saharan African music traditions due to the influence of Afrobeats and Kwaito with their dynamics usage of West African Pidgin English, Nigerian Pidgin or other Creole language.
Tanzanian Hip-hop, which is sometimes referred to Bongo Flava by many outside of Tanzania's hip hop community, encompasses a large variety of different sounds, but it is particularly known for heavy synth riffs and an incorporation of Tanzanian pop.
Following Tanganyika's independence (1961) and unification with Zanzibar (1964), leading to the formation of the state of Tanzania, President Julius Nyerere emphasised a need to construct a national identity for the citizens of the new country. To achieve this, Nyerere provided what has been regarded by some commentators as one of the most successful cases of ethnic repression and identity transformation in Africa.
Juma Nature is a Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artist and record producer.
Joseph Haule, popularly known by his stage name Professor Jay, is a Tanzanian hip hop recording artist, politician and former member of the Tanzanian parliament for Mikumi constituency. He is one of the prominent representatives of the "Bongo Flava" Tanzanian hip hop subgenre, which mixes elements from both Western hip hop and the Tanzanian tradition.
Dully Sykes is a Tanzanian Bongo Flava musician, songwriter, record producer and composer.
Rehema Chalamila, popularly known by her stage name Ray C, is a musician from Tanzania. Her genre of music is Afro pop, specifically Bongo Flava.
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.
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.
Rajab Abdul Kahali, also known by his stage name Harmonize, is a Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artist, and entrepreneur.
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.
Zuhura Othman Soud better known by her stage name Zuchu, born is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter born in Zanzibar. She is based in Dar es Salaam and signed to WCB Wasafi record label. She was awarded the Silver Plaque Button by YouTube for hitting 100,000 subscribers within a week. She became the first East African female artist to reach that milestone within a week. She also became the first East African female artist to reach 1 million subscribers on YouTube 11 months later. In 2020, Zuchu was named by AFRIMMA as the Emerging Artist Award winner.
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".
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.
Juma Mussa Kitombi, 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.
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. 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.