Makonda commends Bongo Flava for promoting Tanzania’s cultural heritage

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, has praised Bongo Fleva artists for serving as leading ambassadors of the Kiswahili language, saying they have played a significant role in promoting Tanzania across the world through their music.

Makonda made the remarks while meeting Bongo Fleva artists during rehearsals in Mikocheni, Dar es Salaam, ahead of the 30th anniversary celebration of Bongo Fleva, scheduled to take place on July 10.

Addressing the artists, the minister urged them to recognize their important role as ambassadors of Kiswahili, noting that their songs have helped the language transcend Tanzania’s borders and gain popularity in many countries around the world.

“You are ambassadors of Kiswahili. Through your songwriting and music, you use our national language and have helped it reach audiences in many countries through Bongo Fleva,” Makonda said.

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He noted that Kiswahili continues to gain greater international recognition, with July 7 observed as World Kiswahili Language Day under the auspices of UNESCO.

Makonda said he and a delegation from the ministry will attend the celebrations in Paris from July 4 to 7, with the main event taking place at UNESCO headquarters.

He further said Bongo Fleva music has crossed borders and continues to enjoy widespread popularity in several African countries, including Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, contributing to the growing prestige of Kiswahili while promoting Tanzania on the global stage.

“You have made the world embrace Kiswahili through your art. This is a remarkable contribution to our nation, and you deserve recognition for it,” Makonda said.