Every year I create a new playlist with the best Tanzanian songs of the year. If you have never listened to Tanzanian music (most commonly, Bongo Flava) before, I suggest you start with the 9 Best Tanzanian Songs that I think you should know before your trip to Tanzania. Of course, the best thing about music is that new Tanzanian songs are being released every week. Because of this, I thought it best to do an updated list. Full disclosure – I’m calling this list the Best Tanzanian Songs 2018, but what constitutes the Best Tanzanian Songs 2018 is fully based on the songs that I think are the best. I hope you agree!

Jibebe – Wcb Wasafi ft. Diamond Platnumz, Mbosso and Lava Lava

This song is probably THE biggest Tanzanian song right now. Diamond gets the whole Wasafi crew together for a song that’s taking over East Africa. Once you watch the main video, do a search for #jibebechallenge to watch hundreds of people from Tanzania and the world compete for the best dance.

Wet – Vanessa Mdee

Ok, this song isn’t going to win any awards for best lyrics, but it does a good job of being catchy AF. If you pass through Tanzania any time soon, you will likely hear this song at least 100 times so I had to include it.

Kwangwaru – Harmonize and Diamond Platnumz

Harmonize and Diamond started the year with a bang with this song that took over the airwaves. I had to actually check if this song was released this year as it’s been played so much I feel like I’ve heard it for more than a year. For that reason alone, it’s a must listen for 2018.

African Beauty – Diamond Platnumz and Omarion

Diamond has been generally killing it with hit after hit this year. African Beauty is another song that feels almost ridiculous to post about this year. It feels like there can’t be a person in the world who hasn’t heard this song. However, I realise you’re not all as blessed as I am to live somewhere that plays this music on the regular so here it is!

Banana – Dogo Janja

This song is actually my favourite right now. It’s so simple, so catchy and always puts a smile on my face. Again, not winning any awards for lyrics here but dancing is more fun than singing anyway!

Labda – Billnass

You wanted emotional lyrics? You’ve got them! A tale of heartbreak and unrequited love, this one will get stuck in your head I promise!

Kwatu – Aslay

I included this because it’s quite new and catchy. Classic Bongo song really!

Why – Ben Pol ft. Harmonize

Another classic tale of loneliness and unrequited love. Are you beginning to see a pattern?

Nakuelewa – Maua Sama

It’s rare for female Tanzanian artists to be played as much as their male counterparts so I always love to find female artists with catchy songs like this one!