Top bongo flava songs of 2023

1 Mar 2023 - 16:34

Few people understand the language of love better than bongo flava artists. Their grasp of vernacular places them on a different level compared to other artists singing in Swahili. Perhaps this explains the popularity of this Tanzanian genre, whose standard-bearers include Diamond Platnumz, Zuchu, Harmonize, Rayvanny and Nandy, among many others.

Harmonize, Zuchu, Phina and Jay Melody.

Their risqué lyrics, delivered with unstinting imagery, are the reason these hits have become love anthems for a generation. And with the artists churning out song after song, bongo flava will no doubt continue to be the staple of East African radio in 2023.

Music In Africa has made a selection of bongo flava songs that are ruling the airwaves and blowing up the streams this year. Be sure to bookmark this playlist as we update it with more music throughout 2023.

Wewe Hapo – Lony Bway & Marioo

Tanzanian singer and songwriter Long Bway teams up with bongo flava maestro Marioo to deliver this ballad that will have many lovers weak-kneed.

Huku – Alikiba & Tommy Flavour

In yet another fusion of bongo flava and amapiano, Alikiba and Tommy Flavour deliver a seductive masterpiece that is sure to set the clubs on fire, this and next year.

Watu Feki – Appy

This seemingly effortless Swahili remix to Libianca’s ‘People’ has already struck the right chord in the hearts of many listeners just weeks after its release. One could say the message of the original song is now hitting home in East Africa.

Mtaalamu – Lulu Diva ft. Nandy

This taarab-inspired offering is tongue-in-cheek exploration of the lengths people go to secure the attention of their romantic interests. In the song, mtaalamu (medicine man) might have a trick or two up his sleeve.

Pole – Mimi Mars ft. Nandy

On this playful song, Mimi Mars and Nandy deploy all their feminine wiles to tease their would-be lovers – and millions of drooling fans.

Manu – Phina ft. Jay Melody

This is yet another love-filled track brought alive by effusive lyricism and the smooth vocals of two of bongo flava’s leading artists.

Yatapita – Diamond Platnumz

With millions of YouTube views since the release of the video in late January, this song about a man hoping for a better life shows why Diamond Platnumz is the undisputed king of bongo flava.

Mahaba – Ali Kiba

On this offering, Ali Kiba philosophises about whether there is a need for romantic love, and eventually he opines that to lead a truly free life, it is advisable to steer clear of romantic pursuits.

Puuh – Billnass ft. Jay Melody

An ode to youthful zest and unfettered hedonism, this song celebrates love and calls on its listeners to block naysayers.

Falling – Nandy

Nandy is literally bonkers on this upbeat track, but then again doesn’t love do this to every one?

Nakuja – Tommy Flavour and Marioo

This video-driven song illustrates the perils of love and the odds placed against those searching for love. The music video, shot in Dar es Salaam, was directed by Azad Wastara.

Nitasema – Jay Melody

On this track, Jay Melody reveals his aching wish to be with his love interest.

Mwamba – Rayvanny

Rayvanny pours his praises on his soon-to-be wife, telling his family that she is the rock of his life.

Nitongoze – Rayvanny ft. Diamond Platnumz

Rayvanny teams up with Diamond Platnumz in this cheeky dig at their detractors. The video to this amapiano-infused hit is worth all streaming data bundles.