Ali Kiba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ali Kiba
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Kiba at the 2016 MTV EMA Awards as the Best African Act
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| Born | 29 November 1986 Kigoma Region, Tanzania
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| Other names | King Kiba |
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| Years active | 2004–present |
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| Also known as | King Kiba |
| Origin | Tanzania |
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Ali Saleh Kiba (born on November 29, 1986), known as Ali Kiba or King Kiba, is a talented musician and songwriter from Tanzania. Many people consider him one of the best musicians in East Africa. He is often called the King of Bongo Flava music. Ali Kiba is from Kigoma and owns his own music company, Kings Music, and Crown Media Group.
He has many popular songs like Mwana, Aje, Chekecha Cheketua, and Cinderella. He also sang Single Boy with Lady Jaydee. Ali Kiba is known as one of the most successful Bongo Flava stars, often compared to Diamond Platnumz.
In 2008, Ali Kiba worked with R. Kelly and other African artists on a project called One 8. Since then, he has collaborated with many famous musicians. These include Patoranking, Sauti Sol, Marioo, Nyashinski, Khaligraph Jones, and Sarkodie.
Around 2011, Ali Kiba took a break from music for three years. He returned in 2014 with his song "Mwana." Fans loved the song, and it helped him win five awards at the 2015 Tanzania Music Awards.
After his return, Ali Kiba signed with Rockstar 4000, a music company. With them, he released many hit songs. These include Chekecha Cheketua, Lupela, and Aje. "Aje" was a popular Bongo Flava love song. It was ranked number 3 on a list of the best Tanzanian songs from 2012 to 2022.
In May 2016, Ali Kiba signed with Sony Music. He was the first East African artist to sign with this big record company. He left Sony and Rockstar 4000 in 2021. Then, he started his own record label, Kings Music. This label now supports other Tanzanian artists like Tommy Flavour and Vanillah.
In November 2021, Ali Kiba released his third album, Only One King. It had 16 songs, including Utu and Niteke. The album also featured collaborations like Salute with Rudeboy and Jealous with Mayorkun.
Ali Kiba called Only One King a "Pan African album." It won the Best Album award at the 2022 Tanzania Music Awards. This was a very important event for him. He won five awards that night! He also won Best Male Artist People's Choice and Best Music Video for "Salute." He was also named Best Melodic Songwriter of the Year and Best East African Artist.
Ali Kiba received the most awards among Tanzanian artists at the 2022 Tanzania Music Awards. Nandy and Marioo each won three awards.
On March 10, 2024, Ali Kiba launched his new radio station, Crown FM 92.1. It broadcasts in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanga, and Pwani.
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Ali Kiba was born in Iringa. His parents are Saleh Omari and Tombwe Njere. He is the oldest of four children. His brother, Abdu Kiba, is also a musician. He also has a sister, Zabibu Kiba, and a younger brother, Abuu Kiba.
Even though he was born in Iringa, Ali Kiba's family comes from Kigoma. This rich cultural background has influenced his music style.
He started developing his musical talents while attending Upanga Primary School. This school is in the busy city of Dar es Salaam.
Ali Kiba loved music and dance from a young age. He began his music career in 2004, after finishing his 12th-grade exams. His first song, "Maria," showed his talent. It made him one of the most promising new artists in Tanzania.
In 2005, he chose music over a chance to play soccer for a team in Uganda. He decided to focus on singing and writing songs.
Music Career Highlights
Ali Kiba's first album and hit song "Cinderella" became the best-selling record in East Africa in 2008. His second album, Ali K 4 Real, came out in 2009. It included popular songs like Nakshi Mrembo and Usiniseme.
Later, he worked with the mobile phone company Airtel Africa. He joined American artist R. Kelly and seven other African music stars. These stars included Fally Ipupa from DRC and 2Face Idibia from Nigeria.
Ali Kiba has received many nominations and awards. In 2009, he was nominated for 'Best International Act' at the Black Entertainment Film, Fashion, Television and Arts Awards. He also won Best Zouk / Rhumba Song at the Kili Music Awards in 2012.
On May 20, 2016, he signed a deal with Sony Music Entertainment. He worked with them for five years before leaving Sony in 2021.
Personal Life
Ali Kiba married Amina Khaleef in 2018. Their wedding was a big event in Mombasa, Kenya.
Awards and Recognitions
Ali Kiba has won many awards throughout his career. These awards celebrate his talent and success in music. He continues to be a respected artist in the music industry.
