Bongo Flava now most-loved music genre

 
Bongo Flava, as Tanzanian hip hop music is known, has evolved from being a genre of outlaws into the most-loved source of entertainment. It has won over a sceptical older generation.
Bongo Flava is now the most popular musical style among locals. Christina Bella, A.Y, David Genz, Diamond Platnumz, Dully Sykes, Mr. II (who is said to be the pioneer of the genre) and Vanessa Mdee, are among the most prominent names.
Outside its historical home of Tanzania, Bongo Flava has become popular in neighbouring countries such as Kenya and Uganda.
The music has even found a home outside Africa with the most popular artistes in the genre addressing Western markets. And Bongo Radio, the self-proclaimed “best internet station for Bongo Flava”, is based in Chicago, Illinois in the US.
Despite its popularity and that of a number of well-known artistes throughout Tanzania, challenges persist, such as piracy and limited breakthrough and exposure to the international market.
Copying of music is widespread and most artistes are unable to make a living selling their music. They must rely on income from live performances.
However, some companies and individuals have recognised the plight of these budding artistes and come up with ways of supporting them.
Among the companies is Tigo Tanzania, a local entity of Luxembourg-headquartered Millicon. The mobile network operator has initiated Tigo Music Platform which markets local artistes’ work locally and abroad.
Tigo has so far supported over 20 Tanzanian artistes.
Tigo Tanzania partnered with a French-based international music streamer, Deezer, the service that provides Tanzanians with unlimited music – access to about 36 million tracks worldwide.
Congolese Bongo Flava music star Bella, who is based in Dar es Salaam, said: “Through exposure to international audience, I'm now able to promote my music and earn extra money from my songs.”
David Genz, aka Yangdee, whom the Tigo platform also supports, said he was now known at local and international level.
“The platform is redemption to young musicians as it has bought us from underground to international level,” he said.
Local artists are free to sign directly with Tigo or via its registered third-party partners.
“Tigo will continue to invest in supporting the local music industry by ensuring local artistes are exposed to the international markets through its available digital platforms; collaborate with artistes to participate in various Tigo launches; support artistes on their music releases and hence increase their music sales and brand image,” the company said. – CAJ News