| Ali Kiba | |||||||
| Birth Date: | 29 November 1986 | ||||||
| Birth Place: | Kigoma Region, Tanzania | ||||||
| Other Names: | King Kiba | ||||||
| Years Active: | 2004–present | ||||||
| Website: | https://www.instagram.com/officialalikiba | ||||||
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Ali Saleh Kiba (Born 29 November 1986), best known as Ali Kiba 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 Kings Music label and the 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 close rivalry with Diamond Platnumz.[1] [2] [3]
In 2008 Ali Kiba collaborated with R. Kelly and other African musicians on the One 8 project.[4] Since then the award-winning singer collaborated with various music heavyweights such as Patoranking, Sauti Sol, Marioo, Nyashinski, Khaligraph Jones and Sarkodie among others.[5]
Around 2011 Ali Kiba 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 win 5 awards at the 2015 Tanzania Music Awards[6] On his comeback, Ali Kiba was signed under Rockstar 4000, music label owned by Christine Mosha. Under the label, Ali Kiba released many hit songs including Chekecha Cheketua, Lupe, 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- 2022[7] In May 2016, Ali Kiba signed to Sony Music, being the first East African 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, Ali Kiba 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 Ali Kiba 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 Ali Kiba 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]
Ali Kiba 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, a sister, Zabibu Kiba, and the youngest brother, Abuu Kiba.[13]
Although born in Iringa, Ali Kiba hails from Kigoma, where his family originates, 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]
Ali Kiba, 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]
Ali'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 of 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]
Ali Kiba 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 to explain she left the Tanzanian singer to find some peace of mind, but he still refuses to give her the divorce.[21]
See main article: List of awards and nominations received by Ali Kiba. Edward awards 2011 in uganda