The Afrikali Band was formed in Tanzania at the end of 2004, comprising eight members aged between 16 and 26. Their music was a fusion of traditional and electric instruments. These eight members, who come from different parts of the country, were initially in different bands and decided to establish a new band so as to expand their skills. In their songs they use different languages from various Tanzanian tribes such as Makonde, Nyakyusa, Nyasa, Nyamwezi and not forgetting Swahili.
The word Afrikali is a mix of Africa and Kali, Swahili slang meaning extremely good or wonderful. This was to remind those who listen to their music about the positive work done in Africa. They also wanted to show the youth of Africa that they have the power to be heard through music. They called their style the Afrikali style.
Afrikali band won the first prize in the Music Crossroads Southern Africa 5th Interregional Festival in 2005 in Blantyre, Malawi after being in a very stiff challenge from other four countries, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe and thus demonstrating how Afrikali wishes to show young people in Africa and abroad that music has the power to make their voices be heard. By winning the above mentioned prize enabled the band to go on a European tour presenting its Afro fusion music in The Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Spain and Austria in different music festivals.
In 2010 Afrikali Band chanhged its name to Afrikwetu Productions.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
