REVIEW: Alikiba’s Only One King

The 34-year-old tunesmith has been in the game for close to two decades – first famous in his home country, Tanzania, then crossing the pond to become a beloved critical favourite in East Africa and parts of the Middle East.

Alikiba’s new release follows his 2006 debut Cinderella and 2009’s Ali k 4 Real. The new album, released on 7 October, includes 16 songs that embody the caterpillar genetics of Alikiba’s prior work – but with wings, travelling across a dynamic spectrum of themes starting with love. The collection is replete with its author’s trademark earnestness, as well as a nuance that allows for real depth of both sound and narrative.

‘Oya Oya’, the album’s opening track, lures listeners in with a groovy, midtempo beat and optimistic lyricism, giving a taste of what to expect – an album rife with homage to the classic bongo flava sound. ‘Tamba’ featuring Abdukiba, K2ga and Tommy Flavour, is crafted to activate long reflections on love. A similar attribute characterises ‘Amour’, and the Mayorkun-assisted ‘Jealous’. ‘Infidele’ mourns a duplicitous lover, while ‘Utu’ – the album’s most overt display of personality – depicts a romantic chase.

Another standout moment on this project is Nigeria’s Patoranking’s appearance on ‘Bwana Mdogo’. Although there are multiple solid features throughout Only One King, Patoranking’s addition elevates the track to new heights.

The funky groove and snappy chorus on ‘Ndombolo’ ensure that the tune is especially suitable for dance. ‘Happy’ finds Alikiba enlisting ace Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie. Founded on reassuring themes and soothing tones, the song is also how the LP closes out.

Only One King is a handbook of life lessons and a reflection of a truly timeless artist. This compilation presents Alikiba’s innermost thoughts against an array of striking production and songwriting that does not sacrifice the classic bongo flava sound.

There’s been a significant change in bongo flava music over the past two decades. Critics of the Tanzanian music scene have voiced concerns about the lack of authenticity and artfulness among mainstream bongo flava artists. ‘Sitaki Tena’ retains the soul of the genre, oozing with Alikiba’s silky vocal confidence and sharp songwriting over smooth melodies.

Overall, Only One King celebrates Alikiba’s nack for unique, layered and powerful bodies of work that feel joyful, warm and sensual at the same time. It also stresses the musician’s pivotal role toward preserving the essence of bongo flava while ensuring its contemporary relevance.

Stream Only One King on Spotify here.

Artist: Alikiba
Song: Only One King
Label: King’s Music Records
Year: 2021