Bongo Flava star Alikiba has candidly opened up about a decision that has haunted his career — stepping away from releasing solo music for three years.
Between late 2011 and 2014, the Tanzanian icon focused solely on collaborations, working with artists like Spince Seseme, Tunda Man, and Papa Masai, while putting his own projects on hold.
During an interview on Crown FM’s ‘Bongo Flava Week,’ Kiba described this hiatus as a significant misstep in his two-decade-long career.
“I had to prioritize other personal issues at the time, but if I could do it over, I would have handled things differently to keep releasing my own music,” he said, reflecting on the period.
Kiba’s absence from the solo music scene during those years was felt across the industry, and he now admits that the decision cost him momentum in a fast-evolving music world.
“Looking back, I regret not being more present. The industry doesn’t wait, and I see now that keeping a consistent presence is vital.”
As a veteran in the Bongo Flava genre, Kiba also remarked on how much the music business has changed. Artists today, he said, must constantly produce new content to stay relevant, noting that the pace of releases is faster than ever.
“If you take a few months off, you come back to a market filled with fresh hits. This generation is constantly creating,” he observed.
Alikiba also touched on how the idea of a song’s longevity has transformed, acknowledging that songs no longer have the lasting impact they once did, given the rapid turnover of new releases.
“The idea of music enduring has shifted. Now it’s about adapting to the pace and staying relevant,” he added.
Despite his regret over the hiatus, Alikiba emphasized the importance of adaptability for artists aiming for long-term success.
“The industry changes quickly, and to survive, you have to evolve with it,” he said.
Alikiba’s reflections serve as a lesson for artists navigating the high demands of today’s music industry — a space where staying active and flexible is key to maintaining relevance.
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