THE Tanzania Music Awards (TMAs) 2024: Tanzania’s grand music night—a local Grammys, but with a lot more rhythm, dancing and swag.
This is not just an award show; it is a showdown of star power, where every artist flexes their talent, charisma and, let us be honest, their ability to walk up to the stage and claim yet another shiny trophy.
This year, Diamond Platnumz, Tanzania’s king of music, did not even need to show up himself at the Super Dome in Masaki, Dar es salaam, last weekend.
His long time MP-manager, Babu Tale, was there to scoop the awards like they were free Wi-Fi.
And boy, did he scoop!
Diamond, through Babu Tale, basically turned the TMAs into his personal award warehouse. Five awards. Five!
They might as well have given Babu Tale a prize for “Best Walk Up to the Stage” because he did that more than anyone else.
If you missed the event, just imagine Babu Tale taking home trophies for Best Male Artist, Best Male Performer and a few other “Best” this and “Best” that, like it was just another Tuesday.
But the night was not all about Diamond’s shiny dominance.
Mzee Steven Hiza, a legend in Tanzanian music, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
This guy gave us this 1967 classic ‘Tanzania Ndio Nchi ya Furaha’, a song that makes you feel good about being Tanzanian—especially when the Taifa Stars are testing your patience.
Mzee Steven got his well-deserved standing ovation and a generous 50 million shillings, courtesy of Mama President Samia, who knows a good thing when she sees it.
Now, let us get into the awards that had everyone—from Taarab kings to Singeli royalty—competing for the top honours. And trust me, the competition was fierce.
Best Composer of Taarab Music of the Year:
This category was like a taarab wrestling match, but in the end, Mfalme (the emperor) Mzee Yusuph took the crown for his track “Sina Wema.”
The title translates to “I am out of niceness,” which might explain why he left the competition in the dust.
Father Mauji, Bob Rama, Kisaka and Thabit Abdul tried with hits like “Umenibamba” and “DSM Sweetheart,” but you cannot beat a title that tells it like it is.
Best East, West & South Africa Song:
It was a full-blown continental affair. Nigerian hit “Lonely At The Top” by Asake nabbed this title, leaving Tanzanian fans grooving but scratching their heads.
Davido’s “Unavailable,” Libianca’s “People,” and Tyler ICU’s “Mnike” were all worthy, but Asake’s smooth vibes ruled the night, proving once again that being on top can indeed get lonely.
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Best Male Artist:
This was the Battle of the Titans: Marioo, Harmonize, Ali Kiba, Jay Melody and of course, Diamond Platnumz.
Spoiler alert (not really): Diamond snagged it for club his banger “Shuu!”
It is the kind of track that makes you want to shush your competition as you stride to the podium.
Best Female Artist of the Year:
The ladies brought serious heat. Nandy, Zuchu, Anjella, Malkia Leyla Rashid and multi-talented Abigail Chams all delivered deserving hit after hit.
In the end, Nandy’s “Falling” stole the show, reminding us all that falling for her music is inevitable.
Best Song of the Year:
“Single Again” by Harmonize took home this prize. If you have ever been through a breakup, this is your new anthem.
No more tears on your pillow—just play this track and embrace the single life.
Diamond’s “Shu!” and Zuchu’s “Honey” were the other top contenders, but nothing could top Harmonize’s proud-to-be-single vibe.
Best Dance Music Singer of the Year:
Christian Bella’s “Kanivuruga” was the ultimate party-starter, earning him this title.
Outshining competitors like Melody Mbassa, Papii Kocha and Charlz Baba, Bella proved once again why he’s called “The King of Best Melodies.”
Best Dance Music Song of the Year:
Diamond Platnumz, teaming up with Koffie Olomide, took this one home with their electrifying track “Achii.”
Honestly, when those two join forces, what competition?
Best Bongo Flava Songwriter of the Year:
Marioo flexed his pen game hard, taking this award after beating out heavyweights like Mbosso, Jay Melody and Dulla Makabila.
Clearly, when it comes to writing hits, Marioo’s pen is mightier than the sword.
Best Bongo Flava Music Producer:
S2Kizzy took home the prize for producing magic behind the scenes.
If you’ve been bopping your head to any Bongo Flava lately, chances are, S2Kizzy was the wizard pulling the strings.
Best Bongo Flava Song of the Year:
Ali Kiba’s “Mahaba” won this category, pushing out other massive hits like Diamond’s “Yatapita” and Harmonize’s “Single Again.”
This song is like your favourite dish—it hits the spot every time.
Best Female Bongo Flava Singer:
Zuchu’s “Naringa” won her this award.
When Zuchu decides to show up, the competition knows it is over. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence make her a force to be reckoned with.
Best Male Bongo Flava Singer:
Ali Kiba was not going home empty-handed.
He took the Best Male Bongo Flava Singer award for “Mahaba,” proving why he is one of Tanzania’s all-time greats, crowned “King” by fans.
Best Singeli Artist:
Dulla Makabila stole the show with “Nije Ama Nisije.” Singeli’s rapid pace and fiery lyrics had people hooked and Dulla was the man of the moment.
Best Singeli Song:
Rayvanny and Misso Misondo teamed up for “Kitu Kizito” and it was an instant hit. Rayvanny’s smooth vocals paired with Misso’s beats? A winning combo.
Best DJ of the Year:
DJ Ally B took this one home, proving he knows how to keep the crowd hyped.
In a country where the DJ scene is no joke, Ally B stands out as a master of the turntables.
Best Female Performer of the Year:
No surprises here—Zuchu again.
Her “Nani Remix” performance had everyone glued to their screens, reminding us all that she is not just a singer, she is a full-on entertainer.
Best Male Performer of the Year:
Diamond Platnumz. Yes, again. If you have ever seen him perform “Shu!” live, you know exactly why he won this.
Best Album of the Year:
Harmonize’s “Visit Bongo” took the crown. The title says it all—if you want to understand Tanzanian music, start here.
Best Upcoming Artist:
Chino Kidd with “Gibela.” This young talent represents the future of Tanzanian music, and with fresh sounds like his, the future looks bright.
Best Hip Hop Song and Artist of the Year:
Country Wizzy and Young Lunya were the big winners, proving that hip hop is alive and thriving in Tanzania.
As the night wrapped up, though, it became clear that something was off.
The 2024 TMAs should have been a grand celebration, but instead, it turned into a game of “Where’s Diamond? Where’s Harmonize? Where’s Rayvanny?”
The biggest stars pulled disappearing acts, leaving fans, red carpets and podiums wondering, “Naniliu yuko wapi?”
It was not just Diamond who sent a representative— Harmonize also ghosted the event.
He sent a curvy (smiles) lady more interested in posing for the camera, accompanied by an influencer whose loud antics always make things awkward.
And let us not point fingers at BASATA too quickly.
Ever since Dr Kedmon Mapana jumped into the National Arts Council driver’s seat, things have been running smoother than a boda-boda on an empty road. .
Hats off to BASATA, for keeping the ship sailing.
But even they must be scratching their heads, wondering how to lure these elusive stars back onto the TMA stage.
Maybe it is high time for BASATA to channel their inner parent and lay down the law. We are talking stiff penalties. Maybe even a few bans.
If they can miraculously appear at international events, mingling with global superstars, why do they act like the TMAs are a backyard harusi they can skip? Excuses, excuses!
The truth is, fame is a powerful cocktail and some of these celebs are definitely overindulging.
They are sipping on the good stuff, convinced they have transcended to a level of stardom where they are untouchable. Demi-gods, if you will. Untouchable!
But let us keep it real: without the government, without the fans, without the crowd cheering them on, they would just be singing in Mbagala, at the dump yard.
So here is a final note to BASATA. We respect you. We trust you. We are counting on you to bring the stars back to the stage.
And if it means applying a little tough love, so be it. Because we need our TMAs to sparkle again, not turn into the “Wako wapi hawa?” Awards.
Let us bring back the glitz, the glamour and the gossip.