Alikiba Saleh Kiba was born in 1986. He is a Tanzanian recording artist, songwriter, dancer and actor. He is one of Tanzania’s biggest stars and his international reputation is rocketing.

Alikiba’s debut album Cinderella won the Kilimanjaro Music Award and was East Africa’s biggest selling record in 2008. He followed this up with Alikiba 4 Real which included the mega-hits Nakshi Mrembo, Nichuum and Usiniseme. The success of this second album cemented Alikiba’s name in Tanzania’s hall of music fame.

By now, even audiences in the Middle East could not get enough of the young star. He was breaking records and crossing boundaries. While his music career soared, Alikiba received offers to play for Tanzanian soccer teams. He turned these down, opting instead to venture into modeling, as this didn’t take so much of his time away from music.

In 2010 Alikiba collaborated with US singer-songwriter and producer R Kelly for the successful One8 project alongside Fally Ipupa, 2Face, and other African artists. R Kelly singled out Alikiba for his unique and beautiful voice, giving him lead for the project’s single, Hands across the World.

When it comes to nominations and awards, Alikiba has them in plenty. He was nominated for Best East African Artist (African Music Awards), Winner of Best Zouk / Rumba Song and Best Tanzanian Writer, Best Male Artist (Kili Music Awards). In London in 2010 he won the BEFFTA Award for Best International Artist in a category where had been pitted against Nigeria’s 2 Face Idibia, Beyonce and Akon. At the same event he also took home the Sexiest Male Artist award.

In 2011 Alikiba released Dushelele, which he co-produced and co-directed. Once again proving he has the Midas touch when it comes to music, Dushelele won the Kilimanjaro Music Award for Best Zouk song. Single Boy/Single Girl soon followed; a collaboration with Lady Jaydee that also topped the charts. Alikiba spent much of 2012 collaborating with various artists and also embarked on music production, acting lessons, and writing movie scripts.

In 2013 Alikiba signed with Sony Music Africa. His eagerly awaited third studio album, including guest appearances by Fally Ipupa is set for imminent release.

Like most peers in Tanzania’s bongo flava scene, Alikiba usually performs ‘playback’. However, it goes without saying for this rare and unique performance at Sauti za Busara 2015, Alikiba will perform with real musicians, full mzuka and 100% live!