Starter is crafted to align closely with the Bongo Flava’s original aesthetics, capturing the essence of its roots while evoking a sense of nostalgia for its foundational sounds.
By Frank Njugi
Ali Saleh Kiba, best known as Ali Kiba, is hailed as one of the finest artistes to emerge from the East African region. His music, characterised by timeless melodies and profound lyrics, has consistently left an indelible mark on the regional musical landscape. Ali Kiba’s approach to Bongo Flava is credited with pushing the genre beyond its indigenous roots, transforming it into a captivating regional phenomenon.
Ali Kiba has three studio albums: 2006’s Cinderella, 2009’s Ali K 4 Real, and 2021’a Only One King. These projects feature hit songs whose unique touch has helped Bongo Flava evolve into a regional sensation, captivating listeners across East Africa and beyond. His debut album, Cinderella, for instance, is considered one of the iconic African albums that defined the 2000s.
As of 2024, Ali Kiba still continues to release bright and blissful Bongo Flava music, making sure his long held moniker, ‘King Of Bongo Flava’, retains its relevance. The same fervent spirit and innovative essence that has always defined his journey, appears to still be present in his extremely likeable, delicate songs.
His latest release comes in the form of an EP with a tracklist of seven songs, titled Starter. The EP is crafted to closely align with Bongo Flava’s original aesthetics, capturing the essence of its roots while evoking a sense of nostalgia for its foundational sounds. It stands out as an outlier in a Bongo Flava industry that has, in recent years, seen a saturation of Amapiano’s unique blend of deep house and piano elements from South Africa, alongside the polyrhythms of Afrobeats from Nigeria.
The EP kicks off with the soulful “Nahodha”, a track that delves into themes of leadership, resilience, and mastery. In Swahili, ‘Nahodha’ translates to ‘captain’, and the song uses metaphors to explore navigating life’s challenges and maintaining control amidst the storms along the way. Ethereal old-school Bongo Flava rhythms intertwine with Alikiba’s velvety tones, creating a tranquil yet invigorating aura throughout the track.
“Top Notch”, featuring fellow Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and music producer, Marioo, comes next. The song’s lyrics pay homage to a beloved for their nurturing essence, protective presence, and exceptional affection. It also suggests that within a romantic bond lies an undeniable serenity, immune to strife or discord. The beat is gentle yet playful, blending the nostalgic soundscapes of early 2000s Bongo Flava with modern, polished production choices.
“Kheri” sees Ali Kiba go solo once more. The term ‘Kheri’ translates to ‘blessings’ and ‘goodwill’ in Swahili, aligning with the song’s lyrics, which convey a narrative of gratitude and well-wishing from Ali Kiba after a tumultuous journey. With gentle, melodic undertones and an introspective atmosphere, he expresses a deep desire to offer the world to his muse, an unnamed lover, using heartfelt vocals over a beat infused with R&B sensibilities.
“Hatari” and “Bailando” see Ali Kiba collaborate once more. “Hatari”, (Swahili word for “danger”), features Jay Melody and delves into the perils of love. Both artistes explore the magnetic tension of a relationship that is both exhilarating and fraught with risk, driven by the intensity of newfound affection. Ali Kiba’s rich, resonant vocals blend effortlessly with Jay Melody’s delicate, melodic whispers, creating a captivating contrast that enchants the listener. The song’s upbeat tempo, combined with a catchy chorus, makes it a danceable tune.
“Bailando”, on the other hand, is a collaboration with longtime partner Nandy. This track serves as an epilogue to Ali Kiba and Nandy’s early 2024 single Dah, which is regarded as one of the best African songs in the first half of the year. “Bailando” unfolds as an ode to devotion, with lyrics exploring the steadfast bond between two lovers. The brilliance of the track lies in Nandy and Ali Kiba’s vocal dexterity, as they deliver a crackling reggaeton-like croon over an eclectic beat that never fails to entertain.
The penultimate track of Starter, “Chibaba”, carries a jittery tempo. The song displays the aesthetics of Swahili dance music, with the beat drawing influence from instruments like drums, marimbas, and traditional stringed instruments, all contributing to its lively and infectious sound. Ali Kiba sings about his infatuation with a lover, with his lyrics taking on a whimsical tone, as Chibaba appears to be an affectionate nickname given to him by his lover.
The last track on the EP is an acoustic version of the first track, Nahodha. The softer instrumentation, featuring acoustic guitars and pianos, creates an intimate and authentic atmosphere for this rendition. This arrangement allows the emotion and lyrical depth of the song to shine through, providing a more personal listening experience as Ali Kiba reflects on embracing his role as a leader in his love life while navigating both hardships and successes.
Starter explores unfiltered emotions and the myriad experiences of human existence, all while faithfully adhering to the authentic sound and spirit of Bongo Flava. Each track showcases mesmerising melodies and vibrant rhythms, blending Swahili tunes with innovative beats that reflect the cultural roots of Bongo Flava. The essence of initial infatuations, the exhilaration of ambition, and the contemplative pauses of introspection are all explored within a genre that serves as a primary reflection of East Africa’s cultural richness.
Ali Kiba has, for two decades, defined himself as the foremost purveyor of Bongo Flava music and culture. With Starter, he continues to do so.
Lyricism – 1.3
Tracklisting – 1.2
Sound Engineering –1.5
Vocalisation – 1.6
Listening Experience – 1.4
Rating – 7.0 /10
Frank Njugi is a Kenyan Writer, Culture journalist and Critic who has written on the East African and African culture scene for platforms such as Debunk Media, Republic Journal, Sinema Focus, Culture Africa, The Elephant, Wakilisha Africa, The Moveee, Africa in Dialogue, Afrocritik and others. He tweets as @franknjugi.