Tanzanian music legend Ali Kiba was recently in Nairobi for the Bongo Old School anniversary, where he reignited memories of the genre’s golden era with his signature charm and timeless hits.
Ali Kiba rose to fame with his 2008 album Cinderella, which became one of East Africa’s best-selling records and cemented his place as a pioneer of the modern Swahili pop sound.
Over the years, he has gifted fans classics, though at some point he took a three-year music sabbatical to recharge. Beyond music, Kiba is a savvy entrepreneur, the founder of Crown Media, a platform that includes radio and TV outlets. He was once married to a Kenyan, Amina Khalef, but the marriage only lasted four years.
Tanzanian musician Ali Kiba.
Photo credit: File | Nation
There’s been a lot of chatter back home about artists experimenting with Amapiano. Some feel it is not our sound, but I see myself as a versatile artist.
I create based on what the audience wants. I flow with the demand. I’ve dabbled in Amapiano before, just to test the waters, and the response was amazing from fans in both Kenya and Tanzania.
Honestly, Kenya is the biggest market for Tanzanian music. I’m here for the first anniversary of Bongo Old School, and it truly feels special to be invited to perform.
Even though Bongo Flava is not a Kenyan sound, it is amazing to see how Kenyans have embraced it and continue to celebrate the sound.
Back home, we don’t always give it this kind of recognition. They say a prophet is never accepted in his hometown.
I believe artists from this region should make music in Swahili. It is part of our identity. That’s who we are. I’m still celebrated across East Africa because I’ve stayed true to the language.
Look at Jose Chameleon, a Ugandan legend still loved in Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond, thanks to the timeless Swahili classics he’s given us.
Even Bien, one of Kenya’s most celebrated artists right now in Tanzania, connects so deeply because he sings in Swahili. Over 250 million people speak the language. It is our shared rhythm, our pride, and we should never lose that.
I am not saying artistes shouldn’t experiment, but we shouldn’t also lose ourselves in that. I mean, we don’t understand the Nigerian language, but we love their music nonetheless, and they remain true to their identity.
Bongo flava star Diamond Platnumz.
Photo credit: Courtesy
I know there’s always a lot of talk about me and Diamond Platnumz. It is no secret that we’re not close. We simply have different approaches, different ways of doing things. I don’t subscribe to his methods, and he doesn’t subscribe to mine.
He loves to do showbiz, music loves showbiz, but I don’,t and there is nothing wrong with that. It is a free world.
