| Phina | |||||||||
| Birth Name: | Sarah Michael Kitinga | ||||||||
| Alias: | Saraphina | ||||||||
| Birth Date: | 1996 | ||||||||
| Birth Place: | Dar es Salaam | ||||||||
| Module: |
| ||||||||
Sarah Michael Kitinga (famously known as Phina, born in 1996) is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter.[1] [2] Her songs such as Rara, Superwoman, Manu, Sponsor, Sisi Ndo Wale and Upo Nyonyo which was placed number 62 by Nigerian music website NotJustOk on their list of the best Tanzanian songs of the decade ranging from 2012 to 2022, made her household name in Tanzania.[3] Throughout her career Phina has collaborated with different music heavyweights including Jux, Otile Brown, Jay Melody and Ruby.
Phina began her career as a singer when she was six years old, singing at her school and church choir. During her secondary school time at Marry Goreth, she was given an opportunity to lead a school choir called "Angels of Herald".[4] Upon being admitted at University of Dar es Salaam, Phina joined a praise and worship team. She attended different karaoke competitions and she won the Mi–casa Lounge Karaoke competition.[5] [6]
In 2018, she participated in Bongo Star Search (BSS) and won it that same year.[7]
In February 2021, Phina released her first single "IN LOVE", however, she broke through in 2022 with her single Upo nyonyo which was named by Notjustok as one of the top Tanzanian songs of 2023.[8]
In 2022, Phina changed her stage name from Saraphina to Phina.[9] [10]
In 2023, Phina has collaborated with different music heavyweights such as Otile Brown, Jux, Jay Melody and more.
Tanzania Music Awards 2021[11] – (Best upcoming artist & Best female performer)
Tanzania Music Awards 2022 – (Best female performer & Best East Africa collaboration – Super woman ft Otile Brown)[12]
Sound City MVP awards – Nomination for best upcoming artist.[13]
Phina has engaged in various influencing activities for different companies and organizations. In 2022, she served as a Coca-Cola Africa brand influencer for Coca-Cola. In 2023, she took on the role of a Guinness beer brand influencer, and she also became an influencer for the InDrive brand.[14]
In 2022, Phina signed a distribution deal with Ziiki