Top Bongo Flava Songs Of 2022
Tanzanian recording artists continue to thrill with their songwriting and performance abilities, holding sway both at home and beyond the country’s borders. And just like the past few years, one name continues to dominate the airwaves – Nasibu Abdul Juma Issack, aka Diamond Platnumz. With the release of his First of All EP on 11 March, it is easy to see why the serial hitmaker is receiving massive airplay and racking up mind-blowing streaming numbers. But Diamond is not the only artist capturing the imagination of the masses.
As 2022 enters its second half, we look at some of the Tanzanian hits that have been topping radio charts, lighting up the clubs and gobbling up bandwidths across the region.
Otile Brown ft. Harmonize – Woman
When Kenya’s king of Swahili R&B Otile Brown and Tanzanian balladeer Harmonize come together, there can only be one outcome: an out-of-this-world hit that will dominate the East African airwaves for years.
Saraphina – Upo Nyonyo
Saraphina’s intoxicating voice captures the story of a woman happy with her love life – all told in a mixture of playful, somewhat naughty poetry.
Anjella ft. Harmonize – Kioo
In this tastefully arranged composition, Anjella and Harmonize team up to ‘mirror each other’. ‘Kioo’ means mirror in Swahili, and it appears the singers are suggesting that when two people are in a healthy relationship, they soon start replicating each other’s habits.
Maua Sama ft. Alikiba – Nioneshe
In yet another winning combo, Alikiba and Maua Sama serenade us effortlessly in this smooth love ballad.
Jux – Simuachi
Jux has not only mastered the art of making great love songs, but he appears to have a great grasp for visuals as well. Not only will this song’s video blow your mind, it will transport you to a musical fairyland.
Madini Classic – Bingo Bango
Although from Kenya, Madini Classic has managed to elbow his way onto this list with his catchy tune steadily climbing up the bongo charts.
Diamond Platnumz – Fine
Released in March, ‘Fine’ off the First of All EP sees Diamond sprinkling a bit of Nigerian charm onto the bongo jam to create sonic magic. The song, delivered in English and Swahili, shows Diamond in his crooning and choreography element.
Marioo ft. Harmonize – Naogopa
Every man’s greatest fear is the thought of being ditched by that lovely lass, but it is hard to imagine that this is what Marioo and Harmonize are concerned about. Definitely not with a tune that has everyone salivating.
Rayvanny ft. Marioo – Te Quiero
You haven’t been in love, these two singers will turn you into a hopeless romantic. Play this Rayvanny seductive ballad to your love interest and you will have him or her swooning over you in no time.
Nandy – Siwezi
This song addresses the anguish of an abused spouse. It Nandy’s cautionary tale about staying in a toxic union that could ruin your life.
Ommy Dimpoz – Umeniweza
Best known for his 2014 monster hit ‘Me and You’, Ommy Dimpoz returns to basics with this easy melodious tune dedicated to a loved one.
Harmonize – Bakhresa
Sang in honour of Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist Said Salim Awadh Bakhresa, Harmonize urges his fellow countrymen to be humble and refrain from flaunting wealth while serving others humbly.
Jay Melody – Sugar
Released in late December, this simply arranged composition has seen listeners fall in love with the vocals of the Dar es Salaam singer, who professes his undying love for his lover.
Diamond Platnumz ft. Zuchu – Mtasubiri
With rumours swirling in the blogosphere of the two being involved romantically, Diamond Platnumz and Zuchu probably decided to milk the attention and turn it into streaming gold. ‘Mtasubiri’ is perhaps the best response to such rumours.
Harmonize – Mwaka Wangu
Since its January release, ‘Mwaka Wangu’ has been tearing up Tanzanian charts as listeners lap up the familiar message: this is my year. The song is an ode to every honest hardworking man and woman that it is possible to to achieve your dreams.
Rayvanny ft. Zuchu – I Miss You
This is another hit collaboration between two of the biggest Tanzanian bongo flava artists at the moment, and an anthem for many a lovelorn teenager.
Harmonize – You
Released in April, the numbers this track has been gaining online shows what a big 2022 hit ‘You’ is promising to be. It cements Harmonize as a solid hitmaker.
Kusah – I don’t Care
This upcoming artist has shown that it is possible to find your voice in a crowded genre.
Anjella – Shulala
The emerging Anjella, who is signed under the Konde Gang Worldwide label, expresses in this song her deep feelings from someone who has been received warmly by new and old fans.
Shilole – Mama Ntilie
On her new single ‘Mama Ntilie’, songstress Shilole talks about her achievements in the music industry and how she has managed to achieve longevity.
Zuchu – Mwambieni
In this taarab-influenced hit, Zuchu takes a comical look at a failed relationship. The video is worthy of your attention.
Harmonize ft. Ibraah – Mdomo
Harmonize shows his playful side in this risqué hit that is sure to scorch the dance floors for the entire 2022.