SINGELI : The Sound of Tanzania

Production music is perhaps the most “reactive” facet of the music business. Genres and styles become popular in the production music arena only after they become relevant in the mainstream. My job with World Pop requires me to discover fresh genres and new styles. To authentically seek out what’s happening in music scenes worldwide. Which leads me to..

                                                                SINGELI

Singeli is a popular genre from Tanzania highlighted by fast tempos of up to 300 bpm. The origins of singeli stem from kingodoro dance parties usually held in the Uswahilini area of Dar Es Salaam. Kingodoro is the Kiswahili word for mattress, since the parties would last all night, usually held on neighborhood streets due to the increasing availability and affordability of PA systems throughout East Africa.

Singeli boasts fast, syncopated rhythms with an almost merengue feel. African styles such as taarab and mchiriku from Tanzania, and sebene (Congo) have influenced the general sound of singeli, along with American hop hop and kwaito (South Africa).

Popular singeli styles include singeli ladha, which is more melodic, and singeli michano which is more frenetic and wild. Both styles are made with a DAW called Virtual DJ.

While many synth based genres claim FL Studio, Ableton Live and Logic as their DAWs of choice, singeli was born from mixing synths, loops and traditional Tanzanian sounds into Virtual DJ, where the sounds can be manipulated in real time. Singeli production has more in common with a live performance than a normal studio based production session. Frequently used instruments include vanga drums, which give a “tom tom” like sound, mchiriku which sounds of tin and shakers, and taarab style keyboard sounds.

What would Singeli be without an accompanying dance style?

Singeli’s most popular (and controversial) dance style is the churra dance known throughout East Africa. Churra’s explicit nature caused the Tanzanian government to ban the dance, as well as the neighborhood kigodoro parties. The government eventually lifted the ban in favor of several restrictions, including permitting and age restrictions.

Singeli to the World :

2024 marked the first year the Tanzania Music Awards was aired on a major international cable network - via MTV Base and BET.  Tanzanian music executives and fans alike celebrated the recognition previously reserved for African nations such as South Africa and Nigeria. Seeing an awards show specifically for Tanzanian artists on networks such as MTV and BET will no doubt inspire musicians of all genres across Tanzania.