What shaped Tanzania entertainment industry 2024

Dar es Salaam. The year 2024 proved to be a vibrant and transformative period for the Tanzanian music industry.

The year was marked by spectacular performances, record-breaking achievements, ground-breaking collaborations, and celebrity drama that reshaped its dynamics.

The year showcased the global impact of Bongo Flava, driven by hit songs and major album releases, highlighting the unique talent behind its success.

Diamond Platnumz’s Komasava charted on Billboard US Afro Charts Jaivah’s Kautaka became a hit in Nigeria, and Bongo hip-hop artiste Young Lunya made history as the first Tanzanian to feature in the Hennessy Cypher, the entertainment industry has shown constant growth and adaptation.

Notably, Harmonize set new records previously held by legendary artiste Joseph Mbilinyi alias Sugu by releasing five consecutive albums.

This feat solidified his presence in Bongo Flava with works such as Afro East (2020), High School (2021), Made for Us (2022), Visit Bongo (2023), and the latest, Muziki wa Samia (2024).

Artistes including Zuchu, who released her debut album Peace and Money after signing with WCB in 2020, and Marioo, who welcomed his first child and dropped his second album, also contributed to the industry’s vibrant year.

These milestones have shaped the entertainment industry, demonstrating how artistes continue to set new benchmarks previously thought unattainable in Bongo Flava.

A year of mixed reactions

While some industry stakeholders consider 2024 a monumental year for entertainment, others argue it was a period of missed opportunities for expanding Bongo Flava globally.

Music video director Hanscana described 2024 as a tremendous success for the industry.

“We’ve seen artistes releasing hit songs so impressive that it’s hard to choose which one to listen to and which to pass. It marks a significant advancement in our entertainment industry, especially on our music scene,” he noted.

Hanscana further highlighted the impact of songs like Komasava gaining traction in the American music scene, calling it a milestone worth celebrating and a precursor to greater achievements expected in 2025.

Similarly, artistes’ manager, Mr Michael Mbaga, emphasised the financial and transformative success witnessed this year.

“Our artistes have not only made money and improved their lives but also their works have fostered strong connections with artistes from other nations,” he explained.

Memorable moments and critiques

Among the 2024 standout moments was the unexpected success of Kautaka.

Social media enthusiast Johnson Samuel remarked that the song’s remarkable reception was a surprise, especially from an artiste not as prominent as Harmonize or Rayvanny.

“Kautaka’s success is truly remarkable and stands out as one of the most memorable moments of the year,” he said.

However, not all voices were celebratory, some industry players criticised the thematic direction of the music released in 2024.

For his part, a media member, Baraka Baru, lamented the focus on sexual content songs.

“Many songs released lack values that are suitable for listening with siblings, children, and family members because they heavily encourage sexual content, which is not good,” he said.

BASATA has introduced song classifications to guide music consumption, taking into account the context and the listeners' age.

An entertainment enthusiast, Ms Shamira Rajabu, expressed concern about the declining creativity among artistes.

“Artists have been producing songs lacking depth, making it difficult to secure international awards. Nowadays, many prioritise money over creativity, failing to put thought into their music," she said.

Adding to the critique, a music writer, Ms Jamila Rajabu pointed out that some artistes now prioritise social media numbers and views over innovation.

“The focus on metrics has made artistes abandon creativity, which has hindered the growth of quality music and limited the industry’s global reach,” she noted.

Looking ahead

Despite the mixed reviews, 2024 has undeniably left a significant imprint on the Tanzanian music industry.

The successes achieved this year set high expectations for 2025, with hopes that artistes will continue to innovate, push boundaries, and elevate Bongo Flava on the global stage.

As the industry evolves, all eyes remain on the next wave of talent and creativity poised to shape the future of Tanzanian entertainment.