Artists

Singeli evolved from mchiriku, with Wazaramo coastal sounds, segere and bongo flava in the mix, to create an exciting and energetic electro style that is uniquely Tanzanian. Its rhythms are fast-paced, loopy and repetitive, with rapid-fire vocals articulating often humorous but pertinent stories over rolling, percussive beats.

Singeli is not a read more

Msafiri Zawose is on an ongoing quest to forge an original sound for a changing Tanzania, a search he took up from his late father Hukwe, who was a founding figure in the nation’s musical independence.

A charismatic performer, prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Msafiri Zawose is one of Tanzania’s read more

Elias Barnabas, aka Barnabas Classic, started in music aged 16 after joining Tanzania House of Talent (THT) in 2007. He has grown to be a prominent singer-songwriter and guitarist, with many hit songs including Njia Panda and Hawajui (Vanessa Mdee), Lonely (Linah), Upepo, Kizunguzungu and Promise (Recho), Anamalele and Chuna read more

Almost a century ago, Zanzibari singer Siti Binti Saad reimagined what had been formal court music into a private form of improvisation, laced with a spirit of inclusivity that combined Arabic and Swahili lyrics. In doing so, she paved the way for other female taarab singers, including Bi Kidude.

In turn, read more

Vitali Maembe is a well-respected Tanzanian artist, guitar player and singer-songwriter, known for his original music that is universal yet distinctly Tanzanian. He was born in Sumbawanga, grew up in Dar es Salaam, and graduated at Bagamoyo College of Arts.

His music combines inland and coastal rhythms, with poetic and provocative read more

Ahmed Djamil Ghouli aka DJAM is a charismatic and energetic singer-songwriter and performer from Algiers. In 2004, whilst studying at university, he started improvising Gnawa standards and creating original compositions. Enthusiastic responses gave him the motivation to create the Djmawi Africa band. Their first album “Mama” (2007) was highly acclaimed, read more