Are Tanzanians Disliking Singeli? By Gonsalves Mpili

I was once criticized by a lot of people in regard to a music genre in Tanzania that popped up a few years ago. The genre is called “Singeli”

My argument was as to why it’s not given the priority it deserves because it’s home made. But as I took my time researching, most people didn’t like the content and the quality of the composition. Furthermore the artists are not guided well especially with the classification of the products. Unknowingly a sprinkling of people have their view that Singeli is a replica of hooliganism due to the message portrayed in the songs.

This is a wake up call to all stakeholders within the genre. However “Singeli” is taking baby steps. As long as it is structured well, it will be there to stay than any other genre in the Tanzanian music industry.

On the other hand some say, the music is more authentic than Bongo flavour, it’s catchy and lively. It also showcases the culture in Tanzania. Some Tanzanian bongo flavour artists like Banana Zorro and Vanessa Mdee were optimistic with Singeli because it identifies the culture of Tanzania.

In 1960’s Reggae was developed in Jamaica and it has been part of the culture in Jamaica. It evolved from two genres namely Ska and Rocksteady. What if we work upon the music which represents our culture, it will live on more than a hundred years.

Do we know the source of Singeli? My colleague, Emmanuel Mwansasu once wrote an article about Singeli in Swahili. It was superb, I grasped a lot more about Singeli. So Singeli emerged from several genres namely Taarab and Mnanda, local DJ’s would mix up the two genres with high tempo and people would dance to the blend of the two genres. The blend had no vocals, only beats.

Since Singeli involved dancing, Tanzanians of the low class designed their own styles to dance, some people had unique ways of dancing. The name came up from a guy only known by the name Singeli whose dancing skills were purely and exceptionally nifty. Hence when the genre is played, people would say dance like Singeli. The music was mostly visible in Magomeni, a town in Dar Es Salaam. And the name Singeli came to light from the same place.

I visited some streets in Magomeni in search of the guy whose name is now a music genre. With all the efforts I didn’t get a chance to meet him. I would’ve learned some dance moves unfortunately that didn’t happen.

With all that being said, I think Singeli is vibrant just like House music. Singeli doesn’t give you room to sit and rest. You are ought to jump and dance to the fullest.