Top bongo flava songs of 2020

13 May 2020 - 17:13

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Some critics of the Tanzanian music scene say that bongo flava is no longer dependent on authenticity and artfulness. Despite these thoughts, the genre is still the most dominant sound in the country and East Africa.

Nandy, Harmonize, Rosa Ree and Diamond Platnumz.

Bongo flava artists and producers continue to work hard at their craft in a genre that commands a huge following, with collaborations being one of the biggest forces driving this industry today.

We have curated a playlist of some of the best Tanzanian songs of 2020 featuring popular artists like Diamond Platnumz, Nandy and Harmonize.

Jeje by Diamond Platnumz

Diamond Platnumz this year clocked three million subscribers on YouTube. He also registered over 900 million views on YouTube ahead of Nigeria's Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido, who each have over 792, 429 and 543 million views, respectively. ‘Jeje’ was released on 26 February.

Dodo by Alikiba

Dodo is a Swahili word for a ripe mango. The word dodo is being used metaphorically to refer to a woman who is ready for marriage. The song was co-written by Tommy Flavour and Alikiba. Popular Tanzanian model and actress Hamisa Mobetto features as the video vixen.

Nazichanga by Rosa Ree ft. Roberto

Rapper Rosa Ree and Roberto team up making 'Nazichanga’ a rare Zambia-Tanzania collaboration.

Teamo by Rayvanny ft. Messias Maricoa

‘Teamo’ was released four days before Valentine’s Day. The love song features Mozambique’s Messias Maricoa.

Tamba by Mbosso

‘Tamba’ is a love song by Mbosso released on 22 March. The audio was mixed and mastered by Tanzanian sound engineer Lizer Classic. The artist is one of the top signees of the Wasafi Classic Baby record label.

Kata Remix by Ommy Dimpoz ft. Nandy, Khaligraph Jones and Redsun

‘Kata Remix’ is a faster, club-type song. It was originally released by Ommy Dimpoz and Nandy on 3 January. This remix was released on 31 January and features two Kenyans – rapper Khaligraph Jones and dancehall star Redsun.

Na Nusu by Nandy

The crossover success of Nandy should be no surprise. In less than two years, she collaborated with top Tanzanian and Kenyan artists such as Willy Paul and Sauti Sol, expanding her audience in East Africa. She is presently the top most popular female singer in Tanzania. The video was released on 28 February.

I Like It by Darassa ft. Sho Madjozi

Darassa features South African sensation Sho Madjozi on 'I Like It', and together they show us that it is still possible for an uptown girl to fall in love with a ghetto boy. The audio was produced by Abbah Process while the video was directed by Yoza Mnyanda.

‘Why Now’ is a slow love ballad, and its video doesn't attempt to bite off more than it can chew. It's refreshing to see simple ideas executed well.

Achia Remix by YJ ft. Ney wa Mitego, Stamina and Mr T Touch

‘Achia Remix’ carries an infectious groove to energise Nay wa Mitego’s and Stamina‘s rap skills. The two are presently among the top most significant and well-liked rappers in East Africa. Mr T Touch delivered the chorus and YJ produced the beat. The video was released on 2 February.

Hainistui by Harmonize

Harmonize addresses specific criticisms that shadow him online since he left the Wasafi Classic Baby label in 2019. The track is about knowing what is best for yourself, regardless of outside counsel, and looking forward to the bigger opportunities will come one's way.

'Jeshi' by Harmonize

The 29-year-old is at the top of his game. Besides the commercial success of his music, he is the ambassador of soft drinks manufacturer, Sayona, CRDB Bank Plc and Mastermind Tobacco Limited in Tanzania. 'Jeshi' was released in August.

'Dangerous' by Joh Makini ft. Nahreel

The song is about a man who has fallen for a bad girl, and even though he knows she is going to break his heart, it doesn't stop him from lusting after her. The audio was produced by Nahreel and video directed by Ivan.

'So Hot' by Alikiba

Ali Kiba was the first East African to ink a deal with Sony Music Entertainment in 2016 and is famous for his best-selling 2007 album Cinderella. 'So Hot' was released under the singer's record label, Kings Music Records. The music video was directed by Elvis from Rockshot.

'Amaboko' by Rayvanny ft. Diamond Platnumz

There may be a few occasions Rayvanny has come short of delivering a spectacular song, but 'Amaboko' is certainly not one of them. The chart-topping single is groovy and the video, as everybody expected, is filled with variations of choreographed dance styles. Amaboko is a Kinyarwanda word which means hands.

'Sina Nyota' by Mbosso

'Sina Nyota' sees Mbosso praise the beauty and simplicity of his lover. The singer’s usual melodious voice and the taarab influenced beat doubles up the delight. The release comes three months after he was named the Africa Fans Favorite Fresh Talent at the 2020 HiPipo Music Awards.

'Acha Lizame' by Nandy ft. Harmonize

One of Tanzania's most famous female singers joined forces with renowned bongo flava star Harmonize who features on her song, 'Acha Lizame'. The collaboration centres on a steamy back-and-forth between the two love birds who paint a lovemaking scene with erotic lyrics.

'One Night Stand' by Ibraah ft. Harmonize

Released under the Konde Music Worldwide, the name of Harmonize's record label, 'One Night Stand' also features the vocals of the label's latest signee, Ibraah. No marks for guessing what the song is about.

'Mpaka Kesho' by Harmonize

'Mpaka Kesho' is another hit from the singer and it is about lost love. His songs can sometimes bring you down to tears as quickly as they can draw you to the dance floor. The single is off his Afro East album that was released in March 2020.

'Ngongingo' by Rayvanny and Baba Levo

The song has received a lot of traction online with many stating that it pays a loving tribute to a woman's behind – that it's lighthearted. But every time a woman is atomized into parts, the public is encouraged to ignore important things about her, like her talents and positive contribution to society. It's time we started thinking about women as more than a sum of parts.

'AAH WAP!!' by Whozu ft. Baddest 47

Whozu launched his career as a comedian before venturing into music in 2018. The song rides on a heavy beat and is the kind of songs you hear in the club in the wee hours of the morning when things go from dirty to ratchet.

‘Mediocre’ by Alikiba

The local fans and the media have called out the song as a diss track to his rivals Diamond Platnumz and Harmonize. Alikiba declares himself the king of bongo flava he says the two should stop focusing too much on public stunts and endless controversy on social media, which all amounts to mediocrity.

'Litawachoma' by Zuchu ft. Diamond Platnumz

The song is yet another enjoyable single by the newest bongo flava sensation in which she features Diamond Platnumz. The romantic scenes appear to have taken the shine of the song as reactions from the public have been centred on the theme.

‘Cheche’ by Zuchu ft. Diamond Platnumz

Zuchu is known for writing songs that are quite personal. The lyrics in this collaboration with Diamond Platnumz led fans to speculate whether they could be romantically involved. The song is a story about the intimacy that sparks between two people at the beginning of a relationship and the chemistry they share.

‘Sexy Mama’ by Lava Lava ft. RJ The DJ

Women and their looks remain a favourite topic for pop music. The lyrics compliment several women in East Africa for their physical beauty. The song reflects reality because beauty does come in all types of packages. But they say beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.