Music in Tanzania is always changing and differs based on where it is played, who listens to it, and the event or situation. Tanzania has five main music genres, according to BASATA: ngoma, dansi, kwaya, taarab, and bongo flava. In 2001, bongo flava was added to this list. Singeli became a popular type of music in Dar es Salaam among unplanned communities in the mid-2000s and became a mainstream genre in 2020.
Ngoma (a Bantu word meaning dance, drum, and event) is traditional music that has been widely popular in Tanzania. Dansi is a style of urban jazz or band music. Taarab is music that includes Kiswahili poetry sung with a band, often using string instruments. People are sometimes encouraged to dance and clap during taarab performances. Kwaya is choir music that began in churches during colonization but is now used in education, social, and political events.
Bongo flava is a type of pop music from Tanzania that started in the early 2000s. It is based on "muziki wa kizazi kipya," which means "Music of the new generation." This style began in the late 1980s and was influenced by reggae, R&B, and hip hop. Later, bongo flava was influenced more by taarab and dansi. In the 2010s, bongo flava was also influenced by Afropop, bongopiano, and singeli. Singeli is a type of ngoma music and dance where a MC performs over fast-paced taarab music, usually between 200–300 beats per minute (BPM), while women dance. Male and female MCs are both common, but their styles often differ. Male MCs typically rap quickly, while female MCs usually perform kwaya.
From Tanzania's independence until 1993, BASATA controlled all music recordings and distribution, mainly through Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam (RTD). Only four genres—ngoma, taarab, kwaya, and dansi—were allowed to be recorded or broadcast. The Broadcasting Services Act of 1993 allowed private radio stations and recording studios. Before this law, hip hop had already started in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza. It shifted from English performances to Kiswahili performances of kizazi kipya, which originated in uswahilini. After the 1993 Act, bongo flava spread across Tanzania and the Great Lakes region.
Ngoma (dance)
Ngoma (Bantu, meaning dance, drum, and celebration) is a type of music, dance, and instruments found in East and Southern Africa. In Tanzania and other Swahili areas, it also refers to events like celebrations, rituals, or important life events such as giving birth or the death of a loved one. Traditional ngoma dancing often includes movements of the hips. Many different instruments are used, but drums called ngoma drums are especially important. In some cases, there may be only singing and dancing without instruments, such as the Maasai dances of Ambrokoi or the Wangoni dance of Ligihu. These dances usually involve jumping, stomping, and singing to create rhythms.
Historically, ngoma was mainly a traditional practice passed from one generation to the next. However, during colonial times, it was forbidden because it was considered 'wicked' and 'primitive.' In recent years, especially after 1985, ngoma has changed. It has become more modern and creative. Today, elders teach ngoma to youth less often. Instead, young people learn dances from many sources, such as different tribes, places, and music styles like bongo flava. They mix these influences to create new dance forms. This has caused disagreements between older and younger generations. Elders are upset because young people’s ngoma lacks traditional authenticity, while young people feel they were never taught authentic ngoma. Although traditional ngoma has changed over the past 40 years, it has evolved into a modern style that often uses modern instruments. Many traditional instruments are no longer used because hunting was outlawed, making it hard to get materials for them. Modern instruments like guitars, microphones, amplifiers, and keyboards are now used instead.
An example of new ngoma styles is the UMATI troupe from Iringa town. They created a dance by combining different styles: Lingunjumu and Sindimba from Southern Tanzania, Mdundiko from the coast, and Akasimbo from Kagera. They also added moves from bongo flava. Like bongo flava, modern ngoma often tries to appeal to a wide audience, including both men and women, for economic and commercial reasons. UMATI’s dance includes styles from many regions and mixes traditional ngoma influences to connect with elders and bongo flava influences to connect with youth.
Taarab (poetry)
Taarab is a music genre that is popular in Tanzania and Kenya. It is music performed on stage and includes sung Kiswahili poetry, often about love, accompanied by a band that uses many string instruments. Today, the audience dances, cheers, claps, and sometimes sings. They also reward the performers when it is appropriate. Taarab music began on Zanzibar island around the 1830s as a Swahili music style influenced by musical traditions from the Mainland Great Lakes, North Africa (especially Egyptian instruments), Arabia, and the Indian subcontinent. Taarab spread to the mainland and nearby countries in the 1920s. It became famous in 1928 with the arrival of the genre’s first star, Siti binti Saad. Before the rise of muziki wa dansi (jazz), Taarab was usually listened to by an audience that sat and listened carefully. After the World Wars and especially after independence, the audience began to dance, clap, and sing along. During the 1950s, as independence movements grew, Taarab songs started to include messages about politics.
Kwaya (choir)
Kwaya is a type of choir and an important part of life in Tanzania. It is performed in schools, churches, and at events like political rallies. Kwaya began as a European style of music introduced to Tanganyika by Europeans. It was sung in churches using only European instruments and in European languages. Gregory Barz described how Europeans used kwaya in Tanzania as “one of the most highly developed tools used in the colonization and domination of land and people, body and spirit.”
After Tanzania gained independence in 1961, the TANU government saw the value of kwaya for non-religious purposes, such as creating a national identity, promoting education, and supporting ujamaa. One of TANU’s first actions was to build schools to teach the population, which had less than 5% literacy due to a lack of schools. TANU created an education system, building schools in every village and neighborhood, and included kwaya as an important part of learning. This helped increase Tanzania’s literacy rate to 80% within 18 years after independence. Alongside kwaya groups, TANU also created and promoted ngonjera, a form of poetry used for discussion, debate, and praise, often for the TANU party.
Since 1985, kwaya remains widely used, especially in schools and churches, and influences other types of music. However, its use as a political tool has decreased, and it is rarely used by the CCM party today. Kwaya’s continued role in early education and religious life has made it a highly influential music style in Tanzania. Most singers learn to sing in choirs at a young age, and kwaya is often included in other music styles, especially the popular modern bongo flava.
Dansi (jazz / band)
Dansi is a type of music, similar to jazz or band music, that is played for people who dance. The music was strongly influenced by the Belgian Congo. After soldiers, such as those from the King's African Rifles, returned from their service, new musical styles, marches, and instruments became popular. With these new musical ideas, dancing clubs began to open and became very popular in cities like Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Ujiji, Morogoro, Tabora, and others. After Tanzania gained independence, the single-party government of TANU (later CCM) made music a key part of Tanzanian national identity, as explained by President Nyerere. President Nyerere emphasized the importance of African traditions over Western traditions and compared ngoma (traditional music) to muziki wa dansi (dancing music) during his 1962 inauguration speech.
In practice, both artists, the public, and the TANU government used and combined traditional dance and modern jazz to support nationalism and Ujamaa (African Socialism) for Tanzania. While there are differences between tribes and clubs, Tanzanian dance music is usually inspired by many different musical styles. An example is Remmy Ongala, Tanzania’s most famous musician, who often performed in Masai clothing.
The first popular music trend in Tanzania was in the early 1930s, when Cuban Rumba music became widespread. Young Tanzanians formed dance clubs and bands, such as the Dar es Salaam Jazz Band, which started in 1932. At the time, local bands used brass and percussion instruments, later adding string instruments. Bands like Morogoro Jazz and Tabora Jazz were formed, even though they did not play American-style jazz. Competitions were common, a tradition from native ngoma societies and colonial brass bands.
After the 1960s, Tanzania was greatly influenced by African and Latin music. Tanzanian soldiers brought back music from these cultures, as well as Cuban and European music, after returning from World War II. These musical influences helped unite Tanzanians and led to the creation of a unique style called "Swahili Jazz," which blends beats and styles from Cuban, European, Latin, and African music. Swahili Jazz gave Tanzania a sense of independence and unity.
Tanzania gained independence in 1961, and three years later, the government created a system to support musicians. Bands were paid regularly and worked for the government. The first such band was the Nuta Jazz Band, which worked for the National Union of Tanzania.
In the 1970s, a relaxed music style became popular, led by groups like Orchestre Safari Sound and Orchestre Maquis Original. These groups promoted the idea of "Kamanyola bila jasho" (dance Kamanyola without sweating). Marquis, who came from Lubumbashi in Zaire, moved to Dar es Salaam in the 1970s, bringing elements of soukous music from the Congo Basin. In 1985, Kasalo Kyanga created the popular dance song "Karubandika."
Popular bands in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s included Vijana Jazz, who were the first to use electronic instruments in dansi music in 1987, and DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra, led by Michael Enoch. Rivalries between bands sometimes caused problems, such as when Hugo Kisima lured musicians from Mlimani Park and disbanded the popular Orchestra Safari Sound in 1985, forming the International Orchestra Safari Sound. This group was briefly popular, but Orchestra Safari Sound was later revived by Nguza Viking in 1991.
The most recent style of Tanzanian dance music is called mchiriku. Bands like Gari Kubwa, Tokyo Ngma, and Atomic Advantage helped create this style, which uses four drums and a keyboard for a simple sound. Loudness is an important part of this style, often played through old speakers, with feedback becoming part of the music. This style originated from Zaramo wedding music.
Saida Karoli is a well-known traditional Tanzanian singer who performs in Haya. Her music is described as natural, with soft vocals and rhythmic beats. Her songs, such as "Ndombolo Ya Solo" and "Maria Salome," were very popular in Tanzania and neighboring countries. She was nominated for awards in 2005 and 2006 for Best Folk Album and Best Female Vocalist.
A mtindo (plural: mitindo) is a rhythm, dance style, and fashion linked to a specific band and often connected to ngoma (traditional music) from a particular region or group. For example, Sikinde is associated with the Mlimani Park Orchestra, Msondo with the Juwata Jazz Band, Ndekule with the Orchestra Safari Sound, and Bongo with Remmy Ongala and his Orchestra Super Matimila. Some bands keep the same mtindo throughout their careers, while others change it based on new members or changing trends.
Bongo Flava (pop)
Bongo Flava is a music style from Tanzania that started in the 1990s. It is a mix of different music types, including Tanzanian styles and influences from American hip-hop and reggae. It continues a music movement called "muziki wa kizazi kipya," which means "Music of the new generation" from the late 1980s and early 1990s. At first, Bongo Flava was strongly inspired by American hip-hop and reggae.
Today, many Tanzanians prefer music made by local artists who sing in Kiswahili over international music. Some popular artists include Kontawa, Barakah The Prince, Frida Amani, Maua Sama, Mavokali, Vanessa Mdee, Bill Nass, Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Jux, Alikiba, Shetta, Ben Pol, Lava Lava, Dully Sykes, Rich Mavoko, Rayvanny, and Nandy. Well-known music producers include Tudd Thomas, Mesen Selekta, Nahreel, S2Kizzy, and Yogobeats.
A major reason Bongo Flava is popular is its use of many different music styles in one song, which appeals to both men and women. In a survey in Morogoro, three-fourths of women and four-fifths of men said their favorite music is Bongo Flava. However, after Bongo Flava, men and women began to prefer different types of music. Women often chose kwaya, while men preferred foreign hip-hop.
The name "Bongo" comes from Kiswahili, which can mean "brains," "intelligence," or "mentally deranged." "Bongo" is the longer form of "Ubongo," which means "Brainland" in Kiswahili. "Flava" means "flavor" in Kiswahili. "Ubongo" is also the name of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city. The term "Ubongo" was first used by Tanzania’s president, Julius Nyerere, in the late 1970s during a difficult time for the country. He said that only a nation using "brains" could overcome challenges. Later, the term was also used to describe the mix of people in Dar es Salaam who needed both intelligence and creativity to survive.
In 1981, musician Remmy Ongala started a band called Matimila. His band named their style "Bongo." Remmy Ongala became one of Tanzania’s most famous musicians and worked with international artist Peter Gabriel.
In 1991, Tanzania held a hip-hop competition called "Yo Rap Bonanza." Most rappers performed American songs, but Saleh Ajabry wrote his own lyrics in Kiswahili based on Vanilla Ice’s "Ice Ice Baby" and won the competition. The first Tanzanian hip-hop group was Kwanza Unit, but limited technology made it hard for them to succeed. Mr. II and Juma Nature were famous rappers. Mr. II’s song "Ni Mimi" (1995) was the first major hit in Tanzanian hip-hop. Groups like X Plastaz blended Tanzanian music styles, such as Maasai vocal traditions, with hip-hop. Tanzanian hip-hop is often called Bongo Flava.
Tanzanian urban youth adopted global hip-hop music and created their own versions. In the 1990s, Tanzania had more access to media, which made global culture more visible in cities. Hip-hop helped young people express themselves and form identities, such as the "msafiri" (traveler) theme from Swahili stories. Tanzanian hip-hop focuses more on economic issues than on violence, unlike American hip-hop, which often highlights race and urban struggles.
Before 2002, Kizazi Kipya (a music movement) was seen as rebellious by older people. However, in 2002, Professor Jay’s album "Machozi, Jasho na Damu" (Blood, Sweat and Tears) helped Bongo Flava gain wide acceptance. Songs like "Ndio Mzee" (Yes Elder) and "Siyo Mzee" (No Elder) connected with both young people and elders. "Ndio Mzee" won best single in 2002 and marked a turning point for Bongo Flava.
Today, hip-hop in Tanzania is mostly called Bongo Flava. While Dar es Salaam is the main center for Bongo Flava, Arusha is considered the hip-hop capital of Tanzania and East Africa. Arusha has many international organizations, such as the United Nations and African Union, which helped its music scene grow. Organizations like Okoa Mtaa Foundation and groups like Ujamaa Hip Hop and Tamaduni Muzik support Tanzanian hip-hop.
Arusha is home to many famous Tanzanian hip-hop artists, such as Chaba, Mo Plus, Fido Vato, Spark Dog Malik, JCB, Watengwa, Chindo, Donii, Wadudu wa Dampo, Jambo Squad, Nako-to-nako, Weusi, Nahreel, and others. Some artists, like those in "Baba wa Rap" (Fathers of Rap), are from Dar es Salaam and hold freestyle events like those at Kilingeni Msasani Club.
Singeli
Singeli is a type of music and dance that began in Kinondoni, a neighborhood in north-west Dar es Salaam, in the mid-2000s. By the late 2010s, it became popular throughout Tanzania, and by 2020, it spread to nearby regions in the Great Lakes area. Singeli is a ngoma music and dance style where a performer, called an MC, sings over fast-paced taarab music. The music usually plays at 200 to 300 beats per minute (BPM), and women often dance to it. Both male and female MCs are about the same number, but their styles differ. Male MCs typically rap quickly, while female MCs usually sing kwaya.
In the early 2000s, women started organizing vigodoro, which are all-night parties, for their female relatives and friends in areas like Manzese and Tandale. These parties included playing cassette tapes of taarab music, which other women would dance to. As these parties became more popular, MCs were invited to perform over the music. One of the first MCs to join was Msaga Sumu, who is considered one of the early creators of Singeli.
Other music
The national anthem of Tanzania is called Mungu Ibariki Africa (God Bless Africa). It was written by a South African musician named Enoch Sontonga in 1897. The music was later used as the official song of the African National Congress (ANC) and became the national anthem of South Africa. The same melody is also the national anthem of Zambia. In Tanzania, the anthem was given Swahili lyrics. Another patriotic song from Tanzania's colonial period is Tanzania, Tanzania.
A well-known Tanzanian musician named Mbaraka Mwinshehe (June 27, 1944 – January 12, 1979) was the most popular and creative musician in Tanzania. He helped shape the "African rumba" style, which some say began in the Congo. He and other Tanzanian musicians also contributed to the development of Soukous, a music style that some say originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of the Congo.
Many musicians from the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly called Zaire) moved to Tanzania as refugees. They found work and settled there. In recent years, especially since the mid-1990s, new Tanzanian musicians have created music that is mostly Tanzanian in style. Bands like Twanga Pepeta (African Stars Band) helped develop new and original Tanzanian sounds.
Jah Kimbuteh was the first major reggae musician in Tanzania. He began his career with the group Roots and Culture in 1985. Other reggae musicians in Tanzania include the Jam Brothers and Ras Innocent Nyanyagwa.
Today, Ras Nas is one of the most well-known reggae musicians from Tanzania. He mixes reggae, Afrobeat, and dub poetry in his music. Many musicians play in bands that perform at hotels, often led by a keyboardist and featuring a rock sound.
Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara to an Indian Parsi family in Stone Town, Zanzibar, moved to England after the Zanzibar Revolution, which followed British and later Arab colonial rule. He became famous as the lead singer, songwriter, and musician for the rock band Queen. Neither Freddie Mercury nor Queen ever performed in Tanzania. Their only African concert was the 1983 Works Tour, where they performed in Apartheid South Africa despite UN sanctions, which caused much criticism. The Mercury House, a former home of the Bulsara family, was turned into a souvenir store in 2002. It became a museum honoring Freddie Mercury on November 24, 2019.
Distribution and access to music
The increase in FM music stations and affordable production studios has helped grow the music industry in Tanzania. Many popular artists, such as Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Juma Nature, Nandy, Rayvanny, Ali Kiba, Lady Jaydee, Mr. Nice, Mr. II, Cool James, Dully Sykes, Professor Jay, and others, have large fan bases in Tanzania and nearby countries.
More details about Tanzanian music and events can be found on new websites that have recently appeared. Tanzania has a very fast growth rate for internet technologies, increasing by up to 500% each year. Since computers are still expensive, many people use shared internet connections at cafes or workplaces. Websites like naomba.com business directory, tanzaniadirectory.info for movie and sports information, and Arusha locality information are part of a growing number of websites focused on the region. Most music downloads in Tanzania are done through free websites and platforms such as iTunes and Google Music.