Top 10 bongo flava songs of January 2019

31 Jan 2019 - 17:53

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

January is the month when personal initiatives come to a screeching halt due to financial hangovers from the holidays. But regardless of that, Tanzanian bongo flava releases haven’t stopped pouring in since the beginning of the year. Talk about a productive bunch of artists!

Vanessa Mdee.

In light of this, we have decided to concoct a playlist of the most impressive bongo flava tracks that are already making big waves across East Africa. Here you'll see familiar names such as Mbosso and Lava Lava as well as collaborations including ‘Niwe Dawa’ by Nay wa Mitego and NINI.

So let's get into the normal rhythm of things with our January 2019 top 10 bongo flava playlist. Enjoy!

'Utamu' by Mbosso

From ‘Nadekezwa’, ‘Hodari’ and ‘Nipepee’, Mbosso has proven that a good love song is all you need to get the woman you desire. The singer who was formally with the Yamoto boy band has again managed to paint love as something that you cannot take for granted.

'Funga Geti' by Bill Nass ft Roma Mkatoliki

The two rappers call out on their haters. Although their words pierce like swords, they aren’t offensive and convey a symbolic message about standing up for oneself when picked on. In the end, they are both thankful for the experience because they say it made them more resilient.

'Niwe Dawa' by Nay Wa Mitego and NINI

The question of whether rappers can be romantic without appearing ‘soft’ is answered in ‘Niwe Dawa’ (Be Your Medicine), with rapper Nay Wa Mitego leaving his socially conscious comfort zone to expose his gentler side. NINI takes on the chorus to detail the depth of their love: “Let me be your medicine / I will heal you when you are sick / I'm sure you will get dizzy if you don’t see me.”

'Washa' by Barnaba

If you happen to have been dumped recently, this is the songs that will give you comfort and take away the humiliation. Barnaba doubts if he can live without his ex... Until he meets a woman who brings hope and clarity to his life.

'Alele' by Ruby

In ‘Alele’ a guy is in love with a gal who keeps flirting with him, but she is in a relationship with another. This situation breaks his heart but he vows to wait for her to make up her mind and realise that the love she deserves has been in front of her all along.

'Woman' by Professor Jay ft Victoria Kimani

Professor Jay takes time way from politics to appreciate his better half, who in this instance is Nigeria-based Kenyan singer Victoria Kimani. And what is the Prof appreciative of? The fact that she didn’t leave him at a time when they were going through serious relationship trouble. Needless to say, she promises to love him unconditionally.

'Blue' by Mr Blue ft. Nandy

‘Blue’ is without a doubt a mission statement to those who think they are better musicians than Mr Blue. The content in the song is a summary of his life as a musician, with Nandy providing the feminine touch.

'Finally' by Beka Flavour

Beka blends romantic lyricism with a catchy beat on ‘Finally’. This song is a definite candidate for Valentine's Day, so make sure you playlist it without hesitation.

'That's For Me' by Vanessa Mdee ft. Distruction Boyz, DJ Tira and Prince Bulo

'That's For Me' features a collaboration between Tanzania and South Africa. And although this one isn’t a bongo flava track per se, we had to include it in this list. This track will definitely evolve into a powerhouse club banger as East African warm up to gqom.

'Niuwe' by Lava Lava

There can never be a shortage of bongo flava songs about beautiful women. After driving the ladies crazy with 'GO Gaga', Lava Lava is back with yet another hit. In 'Niuwe' (Kill Me), he admires a woman who is not just physically attractive but also possess beauty that emanates from within.