Ali Kiba - Biography, Career and Songs

Ali Saleh Kiba, widely known as Ali Kiba or King Kiba, is a celebrated Tanzanian musician and songwriter. Hailing from Kigoma, he is renowned as a prominent figure in the Bongo Flava music genre, often referred to as the King of Bongo Flava. Alongside his musical career, Ali Kiba is the founder of Kings Music label and the Crown Media Group.

Ali Kiba has solidified his reputation with numerous hit songs including "Mwana," "Aje," "Chekecha Cheketua," "Cinderella," "Nakshi Mrembo," "Usiniseme," "Dushelele," "Single Boy" with Lady Jaydee, "Mapenzi Yana Run Dunia," "Mahaba," "Mama" with the legendary Yvonne Chaka Chaka, and "Macmuga." His music resonates widely across East Africa, earning him a vast and dedicated fan base.

In the realm of Bongo Flava, Ali Kiba is often seen as a formidable counterpart to Diamond Platnumz, with both artists frequently regarded as the most successful in the genre. His contributions to Tanzanian music have cemented his legacy as a key figure in East African music culture.

Early Life

Ali Kiba was born on November 26, 1986, in the lively city of Iringa. He is the eldest child of Saleh Omari and Tombwe Njere, a loving couple who nurtured him alongside his three younger siblings: brother Abdu Kiba, also a musician, sister Zabibu Kiba, and youngest brother Abuu Kiba. Their close-knit family provided unwavering support and encouragement throughout their lives.

Growing up in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Ali Kiba completed his primary and secondary education. His passion for music ignited early on, and immediately after finishing secondary school, in 2004, he embarked on his musical journey.

Career

In 2008, Ali Kiba collaborated with R. Kelly and other African musicians on the One 8 project. Since then, the award-winning singer has partnered with various music heavyweights including Patoranking, Sauti Sol, Marioo, Nyashinski, Khaligraph Jones, and Sarkodie, among others.

Ali Kiba's debut album featured the hit single ‘Cinderella’, which became the best-selling record in East Africa in 2008. His second album, ‘Ali K 4 Real’, released in 2009, included mega-hits such as ‘Nakshi Mrembo’, ‘Nichuum’, and ‘Usiniseme’.

He was endorsed by Airtel Africa alongside R. Kelly and other prominent African artists like Fally Ipupa, 2Face Idibia, Amani, and others. This marked a significant milestone in his career.

Around 2011, Ali Kiba took a three-year hiatus from the music industry, returning in 2014 with the acclaimed song "Mwana", which won five awards at the 2015 Tanzania Music Awards.

Upon his comeback, Ali Kiba signed under Rockstar 4000, a music label owned by Christine Mosha. During his tenure, he released numerous hits including ‘Chekecha Cheketua’, ‘Lupe’, ‘Mvumo Wa Radi’, and ‘Aje’, a Bongo Flava love song that ranked number 3 on Notjustok's list of Best 100 Tanzanian songs from 2012 to 2022.

In May 2016, Ali Kiba made history by becoming the first East African artist to sign with Sony Music. He later departed from both Sony and Rockstar 4000 in 2021 to establish his own record label, Kings Music, which has since signed notable Tanzanian acts such as Tommy Flavour, Vanillah, K2ga, and Abdu Kiba.

In November 2021, Ali Kiba released his third studio album titled "Only One King", featuring 16 tracks including "Utu", "Niteke", "Salute" featuring Rude Boy, "Jealous" featuring Mayorkun, and "Washa" featuring Nyashinski. Describing it as a "Pan African album", "Only One King" achieved significant success by winning the Best Album category at the 2022 Tanzanian Music Awards. During the same eventful night, Ali Kiba secured a total of 5 awards, including Best Male Artist People's Choice, Best Music Video for his hit "Salute" featuring Nigerian Rudeboy, Best Melodic Songwriter of the Year, and Best East African Artist.

Alikiba emerged as the most awarded Tanzanian artist at the 2022 Tanzania Music Awards, surpassing other notable artists such as Nandy and Marioo, who each won 3 awards.

On March 10, 2024, Ali Kiba launched his new radio station, Crown FM 92.1, broadcasting in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanga, and Pwani. This move further solidifies his influence and presence in the East African music scene.

Throughout his career, Ali Kiba has garnered nominations for prestigious awards such as Best International Act at the Black Entertainment Film, Fashion, Television and Arts Awards in 2009, Best East African Artist at the African Music Awards in 2009, and several accolades at the Kili Music Awards, including winning Best Zouk / Rhumba Song in 2012. He was also nominated for Best Tanzanian Writer, Best Male Artist, and Best Collaborating Song with Lady Jaydee at the Kili Music Awards in 2013.

Personal Life

Ali Kiba married Amina Khaleef in 2018 in a widely publicized wedding held in Mombasa, Kenya. In June 2023, Amina Khaleef, who has typically maintained a low profile in her private life, explained that she separated from the Tanzanian singer to seek peace of mind. However, she mentioned that he has not agreed to finalize their divorce.

Discography

Albums

2009 - Cinderella

2009 - Ali K 4Real

2013 - Mwana

2016 - Aje

2020 - So Hot 

2021 - Only One King

Singles

Nakshi Mrembo

Dushelele

Single Boy (feat. Lady Jaydee)

Mapenzi Yana Run Dunia

Macmuga

Nakshi Mrembo

Nichuum

Usiniseme

Chekecha Cheketua

Nisamehe

Mwana

King Kiba 

Chekecha Cheketua

Ndombolo (feat. AbduKiba, K2ga & Tommy Flavour)

Utu

Jealous (feat. Mayorkun)

Jealousy 

Jealous

AJE

Seduce Me

Kadogo

Tile

Kajiandae (feat. Ommy Dimpoz)

So Sexy

Dodo

Bwana Mdogo (feat. Patoranking)

Sumu (feat. Mario)

Medicine 

Medicine

Nisamehe (feat. Barakah The Prince)

La La La (feat. K2ga, AbduKiba, Vanillah & Tommy Flavour)

Mahaba