Tanzanian Bongo Flava & Amapiano

Bongo Flava and Amapiano music tanzania — Source: BBC

Introduction to Tanzanian Music

Tanzania's music scene is as diverse and colorful as the country itself. Rooted in rich cultural traditions, it has evolved through the absorption of influences, leading to the birth and adoption of unique genres. This musical journey is not just a tale of tunes and rhythms; it's a vibrant narrative of cultural identity, innovation, and the unifying power of music. With the guidance of professional photographer, videographer, and Argos' Tanzanian field partner David Wilfred, we here at Argos Destinations have compiled a guide to the Tanzanian music scene and history of Bongo Flava and Amapiano music. While you read, we invite you to listen to our personally curated Amapiano and Bongo Flava playlist.

The Roots of Bongo Flava Music

Bongo Flava, a genre that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, is a fusion of American hip-hop and traditional Tanzanian styles with elements of reggae, R&B, and Afrobeats. It began as a form of expression for the youth, voicing social issues and life in Dar es Salaam, the capital city of Tanzania. Long before recorded versions of the music existed, youths were performing it in open beach concerts or at rap battles in concert halls. Eventually, the music grew so popular that artists finally published recordings that had so much success, there was no alternative but to begin playing the songs on local radio stations.

More than just a music genre, Bongo Flava became a cultural movement. Its lyrics, often in Swahili, resonate with Tanzanian life, reflecting societal issues, politics, love, and struggle. The genre has also significantly influenced fashion, language, and lifestyle, cementing its place in the heart of Tanzanian culture.

rayvanny tanzanian amapiano and bongo flava music — Source: Rayvanny

The Rise of Amapiano in Tanzania

Amapiano, a South African genre blending deep house, jazz, and lounge music, has recently found a home in Tanzania. Its history is ambiguous, and many accounts point to different origin stories, but the music scene likely formed sometime in the mid-2010s. Characterized by the high-pitched piano melodies and wide, percussive bass lines, the entrancing beats have captivated Tanzanian audiences, leading to its growing popularity and integration into the local music scene. Amapiano saw a huge growth thanks to artists like Rayvanny and Diamond Platnumz exploding onto the Tanzanian music scene. According to David, going out to a nightclub is almost impossible without hearing Amapiano music. He explained that it has become the go-to genre to put on when getting together with friends and has completely taken over the local culture.

Amapiano Meets Bongo Flava

With the explosion of amapiano music, specifically in Tanzania, it was only a matter of time before artists began fusing the music with other Tanzanian genres. The intersection of Amapiano and Bongo Flava is a testament to Tanzania's diverse music scene. Artists are blending the hypnotic rhythms of Amapiano with the soulful lyrics of Bongo Flava, creating an exhilarating new sound. Several artists who previously made Bongo Flava have adopted the styles of Amapiano, creating a sound unique to the region. Artists like Marioo, Alikiba and Chino Kidd have taken the music and blended it seamlessly into Tanzanian culture. David explained that the attraction to Amapiano is the driving beats, whereas Bongo Flava’s appeal is its emotion. Thus, this fusion not only showcases musical innovation but also creates dynamic songs with a depth often not seen in the individual genres.

Tanzanian Live Music Scene Today

Today's Tanzanian music scene is a vibrant tapestry of genres. While Bongo Flava and Amapiano dominate, genres like Taarab and Ngoma also hold significant places. The industry is bustling with talent, from established names to rising stars, each adding unique flavor to Tanzania's musical melange.

This diverse music scene has led to no shortage of live music. From bustling nightclubs in Dar es Salaam to music festivals like Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar, there are numerous venues and events where one can experience Tanzanian music firsthand.

Tanzanian Music and Tourism

Tanzanian music and tourism are inextricably linked, each enhancing the allure of the other. As tourists seek authentic experiences that go beyond the conventional, music offers a window into the soul of Tanzania, its people, and its rich culture. In turn, tourism provides a vital platform for the preservation and global appreciation of Tanzanian music, ensuring that the country's melodies continue to resonate throughout the world.

This influx of tourists with a keen interest in music has played a role in preserving and promoting Tanzania's musical heritage. This interest has led to increased efforts to document traditional music, support local artists, and sustain cultural festivals.

Conclusion

The Tanzanian music scene, with its rich history and dynamic evolution, continues to be a beacon of cultural pride and artistic innovation.Through the preservation of traditional genres along with the willingness to introduce outside music, Tanzania is cultivating a sonic experience unlike anything else. The vibrant spirit and enduring heritage of the country has caused a thriving and endlessly interesting output of unique music. It is this spirit that makes Tanzanian music something that should be experienced by anyone interested in culture and music.

The Tanzanian Music Scene: Amapiano and Bongo Flava Music