By Anne Tendwa

In the past 15 years, Tanzania has undergone a paradigm shift, one that has seen this nation full of musical prospects metamorphosize into one that hosts numerous concerts and music festivals overflowing with beats around the beautiful country. From the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar to the lively urban center of Dar es Salaam, the music of this African region has transformed into a rich tapestry of culture and exuberance.

This was 15 years back; I remember Tanzania music as a rich diverse game that was and still is, a well- kept secret. Today, it is like there is a never-ending stream of music festivals in the country that can be resourcefully termed as – ‘press play. The emergence of Bongo Flava, a genre that incorporates hip hop with traditional Tanzanian music, has won the hearts of many. Stars like Diamond Platnumz and Vanessa Mdee have become a global phenomenon and not just in Africa which has helped promote the music of Tanzania in the world.

The music festivals in Tanzania take place for the sake of people; they are people’s enjoyment and participation events. Take Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar. An African Music Showcase Festival held annually; the event attracts thousands of revelers from every nook and cranny of the world. Imagine this: Picture the sun glimmering above the blue Indian ocean, the sound of drums in the distance accompanied with soft warm winds and images of people dressed in traditional clothes dancing to the music. It is a treat to the eyes and ears but that is just one indication of how exactly such celebrations have turned out to be a stew of many cultures.

The Nyama Choma Festival is an experience of rhythm-satisfying appétit and music in dappled dining, celebrating the time-honored Tanzanian culinary art of grilled meat with live performances. Who knew that chomping grilled meat down with rhythm could be this much soothing? This is culinary art combining with musical prowess to create an environment whereby even the shyest of souls find themselves dancing uninhibitedly.

Among the most exciting facets of the emerging music scene in Tanzania is its support for nurturing new talent. Many music awards, such as the Tanzania Music Awards, are often used almost exclusively as launch pads for new artists. However, these festivals also provide a platform for fresh faces who love music in addition to established stars. This has been an excellent vehicle for local talent to shine and audiences to identify a real future star before they take center stage in the wider world of music.

All of a sudden, the opening up of digital platforms means that the reach of impressively structured music by artists can now cross the globe. Local acts enjoy the chance to gain rapid popularity, thanks to overnight hits on social media. This democratized music means that anyone with a little bit of imagination and a true driving passion can achieve their dreams.

Certainly, this journey has not gone without its ups and downs. The pandemic blew the music industry backward, with concerts and festivals coming to a halt in 2020. But it is the very fiber of Tanzanian culture that has prevailed in such dry eras. Online concerts and performances were rendered a better option to keep the show rolling from the confines of one’s living room.

The future conditions for concerts and music festivals in Tanzania seem to be shining ahead and brighter. There looks to be much more interest in the local music and preservation of the place’s heritage, so the ensuing decade seems to promise great joy.