Singer Ali Kiba: What my enemies have done to ensure I don’t succeed

Award-winning Tanzanian musician Ali Kiba thinks there are obstacles his competitors in the music industry have put to ensure he doesn’t succeed says Bongo 5.

An unnamed source close to Ali Kiba revealed to the webloid that there are some players in the industry who are committed to doing all that it takes to ensure Kiba doesn’t flourish internationally.

He gave examples of Ali Kiba’s hit songs: Mwana and Chekecha Cheketua; which he says meet the threshold qualities required to receive airplay in international media.

When Kiba’s management asked MTV Base why the two songs have never been played on its platform; the station’s executive gave them vague responses, claimed the source.

“We have frequently sent videos to MTV Base, and they usually confirm receipt. However, we fail to fathom why they have never played a single Ali Kiba recording,” lamented the informer.

He also claimed Kiba’s management entrusted Soundcity to debut Mwana video, but it disappointed.

“What is surprising, there’s a group which tells artistes for them to penetrate internationally, they have to pass through them,” said the source.

He further said Kiba has slackened his desire for accolades, saying the trophies are dished out to artistes after business ‘transactions’ have taken place.

“Ali has decided to prioritise his music and fans; not awards,” told the insider.

“Many award ceremonies in current setting are people’s businesses and are run similar to other trade ventures,” he said.

“I’d give an example of AFRIMMA 2015; they nominated Kiba in the category of Upcoming Artiste of the Year – Ali is a legend!”

“Just that is enough to tell you they are not keen on matters music. They throw artistes in categories only to feel the slots, and popularise their award ceremonies.”

The source added: “Another example is Nigeria’s AFRIMA 2015. They nominated Kiba in categories which honestly speaking, he shouldn’t have featured in. For instance Album of the Year slot – Ali has not released a new album since 2009!”

“All these actions indicate they don’t respect his talent, or his music – hence no credibility,” vented the informer.

With that revelation, will Kiba feature in or attend any other award ceremony?

“Ali will participate in award ceremonies; but only those which reward talent and good music.”

Kiba however maintains he is not jealous of any artiste’s success.

For a long time Ali Kiba and feted fellow Bongo star, Diamond Platnumz, have had protracted differences over who commands Tanzania’s music industry.