Top singeli songs of 2020

The first hit of a singeli song rushes through a crowd like a shot of adrenalin, with the ladies stealing the show with the chura dance – a type of Tanzanian twerk. The beat is fast – between 180 and 300 BPM – integrating drums, bass, shakers and synths, making singeli one of the most unique African music genres alive today.

We have curated a playlist of some of the most popular singeli songs in 2020, featuring the pioneer of the genre Msaga Sumu and other popular artists such as Man Fogo, Mzee Wa Bwax and Mimah. Also appearing on the list are bongo flava acts Harmonize and Rayvanny.

Dodoki by Msaga Sumu

Currently the most popular singeli act in Tanzania, Msaga Sumu is also the pioneer of singeli music. 'Dodoki' is a metaphor for the male sexual organ. Msaga Sumu says the ladies love and cannot get enough of it.

Yeye by Man Fogo

Man Fogo is in love with a lady. Although, the woman likes him too, she is hesitant to accept his proposal because of her previous abusive relationship.

Pipi by Meja Kunta

Kunta knows that hate injures the hater more than it injures the hated, so he's not worried about those who wish to see his downfall in the entertainment business. Instead, he uses their negative energy to fuel his desire for further success.

Kizibo by Msaga Sumu

In 'Kizibo', Msaga Sumu laments about losing the cover for his pen (kizibo), which is a metaphor for sex.

Kisulisuli by Mzee Wa Bwax

Mzee Wa Bwax tells the story about his girlfriend who wants to get married to him but she drinks and smokes way too much. Ironically, she quotes bible verses whenever she is inebriated.

Wabaya by Mimah

One of the top and youngest female singeli acts, Mimah, encourages women to proudly embrace their status as rejects when other women tarnish their image with lies. The song conveys a symbolic message about standing up for oneself when picked on.

Chukua Chako by Dakota

Dakota says that life is a competition and it changes as much as you want it to. So if you want something, go for it. And if you wait for things to happen, someone else will beat you to it.

Kiben Ten by Tamimu

Tamimu mocks young men in Dar es Salaam who date wealthy women so they can afford a luxurious lifestyle.

Hujanikomoa by Harmonize

Using real-life examples, the bongo flava artist affirms that life cannot always be a bed of roses. He dares people not to permit life's trials to push them into giving up. Instead, they should be patient because good times will follow.

Miss Buza by Rayvanny ft. Dulla Makabila

Bongo flava act Rayvanny makes his debut in the singeli music scene and features Dulla Makabilla as he narrates his experience with a lady of the night.