Ali Saleh Kiba (Born 29 November 1986), best known as Alikiba or occasionally as King Kiba, is a Tanzanian musician and songwriter. He is one of the most talented musicians in East Africa and mostly considered the King of Bongo Flava music Genre. He is from Kigoma and the owner of both Kings Music label and Crown Media Group. With hit songs such as Mwana, Aje, Chekecha Cheketua, Cinderella, Nakshi Mrembo, Usiniseme, Dushelele, Single Boy with Lady Jaydee, Mapenzi Yana Run Dunia,mahaba,mama with legendary yvone chaka chaka and Macmuga. Ali Kiba is usually regarded as one of the most successful Bongo Flava stars usually associated with his close rival Diamond Platnumz.[1][2][3]
Ali Kiba | |
|---|---|
 Kiba at the 2016 MTV EMA Awards as the Best African Act | |
| Born | 29 November 1986 Kigoma Region, Tanzania |
| Other names | King Kiba |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Musical career | |
| Also known as | King Kiba |
| Origin | Tanzania |
| Genres | |
| Instruments |
|
| Labels |
|
| Website | https://www.instagram.com/officialalikiba |
In 2008 Alikiba collaborated with R. Kelly and other African musicians on the One 8 project.[4] Since then the multiple award-winner singer collaborated with various music heavyweights such as Patoranking, Sauti Sol, Marioo, Nyashinski, Khaligraph Jones and Sarkodie among others.[5]
Around 2011 Alikiba took a three years hiatus from the music industry and returned in 2014 with the release of "Mwana". The song was well received by fans and made him to win 5 awards at the 2015 Tanzania Music Awards[6]
On his comeback, Alikiba was signed under Rockstar 4000, music label owned by Christine Mosha. Under the label, Alikiba released many hit songs including Chekecha Cheketua, Lupela, Mvumo Wa Radi and Aje, a Bongo Flava love song that was ranked number 3 by Notjustok on their list of Best 100 Tanzanian songs of the decade ranging from 2012 to 2022[7]
In May 2016, Alikiba signed to Sony Music, being the first East African to be signed by the recording company. He left both Sony and Rockstar 4000 in 2021 and started his own record label, Kings Music which now houses different Tanzanian acts such as Tommy Flavour, Vanillah, K2ga and Abdu Kiba.[8]
In November 2021, Alikiba released his third studio album titled Only One King containing 16 songs including Utu, Niteke, Salute featuring Rude Boy, Jealous featuring Mayorkun and Washa featuring Nyashinski.
Only One King which Alikiba termed as a "Pan African album" went on to win the Best Album category in the 2022 Tanzanian music awards, a highly prestigious ceremony that Alikiba went on to win 5 awards in a single night where he also won other categories such as Best Male Artist People's Choice, Best Music Video for his smash hit "Salute" featuring Nigerian Rudeboy, Best Melodic Songwriter of the Year and Best East African Artist during the ceremony.[9]
Alikiba became the most awarded Tanzanian artist in the 2022 Tanzania Music Awards followed by Nandy and Marioo who won 3 awards each.[10][11]
On March 10, 2024, Bongo Flava star Alikiba launched his new radio station, Crown FM 92.1, broadcasting in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanga, and Pwani. [12]
Early life beginning
editAlikiba was born in Iringa to parents Saleh Omari and Tombwe Njere. He is the eldest son in a family of four. His siblings consist of his brother, Abdu Kiba who is also a musician, his sister, Zabibu Kiba, and the youngest brother, Abuu Kiba.[13]
Although born in Iringa, Alikiba hails from Kigoma, where his family originated, reflecting a rich cultural heritage that has influenced his musical style.[14]
He began nurturing his musical talents while attending Upanga Primary School, located in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam.[15]
Alikiba, was fascinated by music and dance since childhood, began his music career after his 12th exam in 2004. His debut song, "Maria," showcased his talent and made him one of the most promising talents in Tanzania at the time.[16]
In 2005, he chose music over a soccer offer from the Ugandan team, focusing on singing and composing.[17]
Career
editAli's debut album and hit single ‘Cinderella’ became the biggest selling record in East Africa in 2008 and his second album ‘Ali K 4 Real’ was released in 2009 with the mega-hits ‘Nakshi Mrembo’, ‘Nichuum’ and ‘Usiniseme’.
He was later endorsed by the mobile telephony brand Airtel Africa alongside the Billboard Most Influential Global R&B Artist for the past 25 years, American recording artist R. Kelly and seven of Africa's other megastar artists Fally Ipupa (DRC/France), 2Face Idibia (Nigeria), Amani (Kenya), Movaizhaleine (Gabon), 4X4 (Ghana), Navio (Uganda), JK (Zambia). Alikiba has been nominated for ‘Best International Act’ for Black Entertainment Film, Fashion, Television and Arts Awards in 2009, Best East African Artist for African Music Awards in 2009, Winner of Best Zouk / Rhumba Song at the Kili Music Awards in 2012, Nominated for Best Tanzanian Writer, Best Male Artists and Best Collaborating song with Lady Jaydee for Kili Music Awards in 2013.
On 20 May 2016, he signed a deal with Sony Music Entertainment.[18] He later left Sony in 2021 after working with them for five years.[19]
Personal life
editAlikiba married Amina Khaleef in 2018 in a highly publicized wedding that took place in Mombasa, Kenya.[20]
In June 2023 Amina Khaleef who has always maintained a low profile in her private life went on publicly to explain she left the Tanzanian singer to find her peace of mind, but the singer was refusing to give her the divorce.[21]
Awards and nominations
editEdward awards 2011 in uganda
References
edit- ^ "Diamond vs Alikiba: Who is the King of Bongo? ⚜ Latest music news online". mdundo.com. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ "Diamond Platnumz Denies Beef With AliKiba". Notjustok. 14 March 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ "Timeline of Diamond Platnumz and Alikiba's decade long beef explained". Mpasho. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ "One8 project by the African musicians and the American, R. Kelly". Retrieved 21 August 2022.
- ^ "Review: Alikiba's Only One King". Music In Africa. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ Okoth, Brian (15 June 2015). "Ali Kiba outshines Diamond Platnumz in the 2015 Kilimanjaro Tanzania Music Awards".
- ^ "The 100 best Tanzanian songs of the decade: 2012 - 2022". Notjustok. 26 September 2023. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ "AliKiba quits Sony Music Entertainment". The Standard. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ Milimo, Dennis (4 April 2022). "Alikiba, Harmonize and Nandy win big at Tanzania Music Awards [Full List]". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
- ^ Milimo, Dennis (4 April 2022). "Alikiba, Harmonize and Nandy win big at Tanzania Music Awards [Full List]". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "Tanzania Music Awards 2023: All the winners". Music In Africa. 2 May 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "Alikiba Launches Crown FM". AudioMpya. 10 March 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ November 26, Ali Kiba Full Name Ali Saleh Kiba Born. "Ali Kiba Biography: Age, Awards, Wiki, Trends, Net Worth, Musician". Retrieved 1 January 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Alikiba's Kigoma Shows Lives Up to Expectations". Mdundo News. 17 August 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Simiyu, Fabian (23 June 2023). "Alikiba's Biography: Age, family & musical journey". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Wangare, Jackline (29 May 2018). "You must know these 10 most important things about Ali Kiba". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ Simiyu, Fabian (23 June 2023). "Alikiba's Biography: Age, family & musical journey". Pulselive Kenya. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "Ali Kiba – become the Second African artist to sign Deal with a Global Music Deal With Sony Music". Jasmine Ditiwala The Source. 19 May 2016.
- ^ Ngina, Fay. "AliKiba quits Sony Music Entertainment". AliKiba quits Sony Music Entertainment. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
- ^ "AliKiba weds Kenyan fiance". The Citizen. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ Musyimi, Elizabeth (5 June 2023). "Ali Kiba addresses 'divorce' rumours with Kenyan wife Amina". Mpasho. Retrieved 11 January 2024.