Harmonize (musician)

Rajabu Abdulkahali Ibrahim, known professionally as Harmonize,is a Tanzanian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He first emerged on the national music scene in 2015 with the release of his debut single Aiyola after signing with WCB Wasafi, the label founded by Diamond Platnumz. Quotes I grew up in a village called Mtwara, and my daddy and my mum were Muslim. I didn’t even know I could be a singer. My dream was to become a footballer because I knew a few people in my family who played football. So I thought one day I could be a professional footballer. After primary and secondary school, I came to Dar Es Salaam [the former capital of Tanzania] for the first time. I could sing a little bit but I wasn’t taking it that seriously. Then I started to love music and wanted to do music. I found a way to start recording and it all started from there. One of my first inspirations to do music was a guy called Remmy Ongala – a legend in the Tanzanian music scene. Then I love Bob Marley and Michael Jackson. I’m a huge fan of Chris Brown. He’s like a big inspiration to me. I got the moves like Chris Brown – yes, I can really dance. Bongo flava is typical Tanzanian music. This is our sound. It’s kind of like Arabic music or Indian music because a bunch of us singers used to go to madrasa. Madrasa is Arabic school and we go there and get those Arabic or Indian melodies from how you speak the language. Then the native music is Taarab music, which is kind of Arabic too. Bongo flava and my music is just the original Tanzanian sound. I’m proud of African music, but I believe it was all a matter of time. Before no one was giving attention to afrobeats music and right now, my record [the club track ‘All Night’ featuring singer Anjella] is playing everywhere. It’s a blessing and I’m proud of it. I want to say thank you to all the people who have really been championing African music; the presenters, DJs playing African music in the club everywhere. This is our culture. It’s our break. I get that they’re big on their side and that’s amazing, but I’m big on my side too! It’s a good combination and connection, taking our African music to another level. We’re doing it together. I’ve been working with so many different people from Yoruba Nigeria, South Africa, Jamaica… Yeah! Let’s do this!’ Meet Tanzania’s newest pop hero Harmonize: “I’m excited to win my Grammy!”;By Kyann-Sian Williams External links Category:living people Category:Singers from Tanzania Category:Songwriters from Tanzania