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Why Tanzania’s Singeli music is getting hearts racing

It’s got the fastest beats of popular club music in Africa.

Singeli is a style of electronic dance music that developed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in the mid-2000s. The genre fuses incredibly rapid beats, with MCing and more traditional Tanzanian music. It started in underground parties but is now making waves globally. It’s played at Uganda’s Nyege Nyege festival, as well as in Boiler Room sets. Popular artists include Jay Mitta, Abbas Jazza and Sisso.

Gloria Achieng and Macharia Maina have been researching the genre for the past year for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ. They explain its origins and unique dance style.

We also hear how Mimah, and other female artists, are challenging negative stereotypes around the genre.

Plus, 23-year-old DJ Travella - a producer from Dar es Salaam - shares his hopes for the future.

The Singeli track in this episode is Agaba Kibati by Bamba Pana.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producers: Mora Morrison and Benita Barden
Editor: Julia Ross-Roy

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11 minutes

Last on

Thu 29 Feb 2024 03:50GMT
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only

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  • Thu 29 Feb 2024 03:50GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service East and Southern Africa, South Asia, West and Central Africa & East Asia only

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