ACCES 2023 to cast light on Tanzanian genre singeli

During the trade conference at Mlimani City Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam on 10 November at 2.15pm, a variety of Tanzanian experts will delve into the rich history of singeli, the high-energy genre originating from Tanzania.

The panel, presented by Alliance Française Dar es Salaam, will zoom in on the genre’s history, signature sound, export strategies, the power of collaborations and why singeli is loved not only in Tanzania but across the entire East African region.

The panel will feature Singeli Festi founder Masudi Kandoro, prominent singeli singer Mimah, Sisso Records managing director Abbas Jazza, well-known singeli artist Dulla Makabila, leading DJ Mushizo and popular radio presenter Fido.

On 11 November at 12pm, well-known Tanzanian artists Marioo and Kontawa will participate in ACCES’ In Conversation series where they will talk about their successes and the rhythms, trends, and strategies fuelling the vibrant music scene in Tanzania. Kontawa is known making music in various genres like hip hop and bongo flava, as well as singeli.

Singeli is characterised by frenetic beats that blend various musical influences from Tanzania. When it emerged in the late 2000s in the working-class districts of Dar es Salaam, singeli initially existed on the fringes of the mainstream music scene. However, over time, it has grown to captivate both Tanzanian audiences and the world at large.

Fuelled by the raw energy of restless youth, the genre fearlessly explores the joys and struggles of living on the margins of an urban promise. With balmy, dusty backstreets serving as the backdrop for its purveyors, the music, delivered at a dizzying 200-300 BPM, is an invitation to a block party. Here rappers and singers display their lyrical prowess while ‘homegirls’ try to outdo each other through a titillating dance routine known as chura.

View the full ACCES 2023 programme here.

Register here. African delegates register for free.

About ACCES

ACCES is a pan-African trade show for music industry players to exchange ideas, discover new talent and create business linkages. ACCES is held in a different African city every year, attracting active music industry players from across the globe. ACCES is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation, a pan-African non-profit organisation, in partnership with Siemens Stiftung, Goethe-Institut, the Tanzanian Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) and Alliance Française.

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