Tanzania gets new concert series

Tupo Night Live (TNL) aims to offer an alternative platform for bands playing 100% live music.

“The lack of live concert venues where one can experience original live music inspired this concept,” event founder and curator Leo Mkanyia said. “Few places are offering live bands a space to play. With TNL we hope to bring back the culture of paying for concerts not only for artists to get paid but also for the public to respect the arts as an income-generating career.”

TNL will not just programme established bands but also showcase upcoming bands to improve their confidence as performers.

“There are plenty of singers and bands playing Afro-fusion and traditional music with a lot of potential,” Mkanyia said. “The venue offers a great environment for them to get footage and pictures during their performances, which they can use to secure more opportunities. We would like to see them progress in their careers.

He added: “More bands will have an interest in playing live music as artists are now guaranteed a regular venue. The venue will help to increase the creativity of artists, as they will need to have enough original material to showcase."

Mkanyia says some of the young bands to watch out for include iFa Band, Cocodo Jazz Band, Man Kifimbo and the Band, and Mapanya Band.

“We will also welcome our East Africa brothers and sisters as part of sharing our music and culture. It is important for artists to learn from each other and for the audience to receive new music,” he said.

TNL will receive technical support from the French Insitute in Dar es Salaam, Acto Lights and Nafasi Art Space. Media support will be provided by Boresha Radio. The Dhow Countries Music Academy will give us technical support and also support a band from Zanzibar to come and play once a month.

“I have a great appreciation to our partners for giving us the support and the opportunity to present TNL," Mkanyi said.

TNL March 2020 programme:

• 11.03. Leo Mkanyia and the Swahili Blues Band.
• 18.03. Abeneko and the Band.
• 25.03. Remmy and the Cocodo Band.