With a Tanzanian flag on his Twitter cover picture and a touching homage to the nation, AKA has won our hearts!

This is probably my first English article at Bongo5. My purpose is to make sure my friends in South Africa and probably from the rest of the continent understand ‘what the hell’ I am trying to say here.

AKA, South African rapper

Let me say this for the first time; I have been a fan of South African hip hop for some time now. But my love for SA hip hop has escalated further in such a way that, I listen to their hip hop songs more than American hip hop. The reason is simple, I feel like the new American commercial-oriented hip hop songs are just garbage.

I always believe that Americans invented hip hop and killed it by their own hands. Fortunately, African rappers arguably resurrect hip hop. Apart from Tanzania (home of Swahili rap), South Africa is the place where I strongly believe hip hop still lives.

So I have been a fan of couple of artists from the Madiba Land. I can mention some of my favorite South African rappers from AKA, K.O, Khuli Chana, Maggz, Da Les, Casper Nyovest, HHP, Tumi Molakane, L-Tido, Riky Rick and so on.

But, Kiernan Jordan Forbes also known as AKA, is my number one South African rapper. I couldn’t be happier when I knew he was coming to Dar es Salaam. I interviewed him last year in Durban so as a fan that was my greatest moment.

He is here in Tanzania, courtesy of Diamond Platnumz for an appearance and probably to perform at ‘Zari All White Party’ this Friday.

This is his second time in Tanzania (I know some of you don’t know about this). In April 2013, he came to Zanzibar for a tour which was organized by Hunter (South African Beer) and MTV Base (Hunter’s Oasis Tour).

This was an all expense paid trip won by some lucky Hunters consumers in SA. Unfortunately, AKA wasn’t able to connect with the Tanzanian music industry.

This time is different. He is connecting with the industry in a big way and he is very excited.

AKA with Weusi members (Nick wa Pili, Joh Makini and G-Nako)

He has already recorded a track with Diamond Platnumz which he describes their collaboration ‘a history’. He has also been featured in a track by Weusi – the top hip hop group in Tanzania.

AKA and Diamond after a recording session in Dar es Salaam

AKA is enjoying his trip in Bongo. You can tell by reading his posts on Twitter and Instagram. He has also won our hearts by paying a special homage to our country.

“I am well aware of the historic significance of being a South African in Dar es Salaam,” he wrote on Instagram.

“Our countries share so much together, our national anthems are even sung to the exact same tune, except with different words. TANZANIA was a haven for many of our freedom fighters back in the day, it is even alleged that at some stage Nelson Mandela travelled on a Tanzanian passport. It’s great to be here.”

But it doesn’t end there. Look at his Twitter account and you will see a beautiful flag on the cover of his page.

For this to be done by my favorite rapper in Africa, I take it very seriously and feel so honored. Yes it takes simple things to win people’s hearts. You don’t have to give them money!

His arrival in Tanzania has come at the right time. He is sending a special message to his fellow South Africans about the much needed unity and love among Africans. We all know what happened in SA after xenophobic attacks erupted. He is sending a message to South Africans that other African nations don’t hold grudges to them notwithstanding xenophobic attacks.

I believe apart from sports, music is a powerful tool to unite Africa. I can’t wait for the collabos!

Welcome to Tanzania AKA.