Artists

Before 1900, this ngoma was popular in Congo (now DRC) where it was used mainly for occasions such as marriage, traditional religious ceremonies and during other festivities. Later on it spread and became popular into other countries such as Tanzania, where in the first place it gained roots in regions read more

Francesco Nchikala is an artist and musician born in Lubumbashi, the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a singer, solo guitarist, and composer, his sound incorporates elements of smooth jazz, blues, rock, folklore, and rumba. Alone with his guitar, he plays the griot and sings in French, Swahili, Lingala, Kiluba, and read more

Upendo Manase is a Tanzanian singer-songwriter, vocal trainer and entrepreneur who first learnt to sing in her church choir.

Since completing music studies, she has performed as lead or backing vocalist with various afro-fusion bands at events including the Swahili Music Festival and Sauti za Busara in Tanzania, DoaDoa Performing Arts read more

Hoko Roro was formed by talented singer, songwriter and dancer, Samuel Hokororo, who was born in 1990 in Temeke District, Dar es Salaam. He started singing when he was at eight years old, at school, home and in the church choir.
Samuel spent most of his time asking himself when read more

Founded in 2003 by artists Kasembe Ungani and Fadhili Mkenda who were both originally with Sisi Tambala, Zemkala is a six-piece band performing a style of music known as "ngwashala" with its roots from the south of Tanzania. Most of the songs they play have Tanzanian roots, combining tradition and read more

Shailja, pronounced Shell-jah, Patel is an Asian African poet and spoken-word theatre artist. She is currently performing a one-woman show, Migritude, which has received a Creation Fund Award from the National Performance Network. Excerpts from Migritude have aired on National Public Radio in the US, and the BBC in the read more