Afrikwetu Band

Afrikwetu band, formerly Afrikali Band, was formed in 2003 and reformed in 2010. The eight band members all come from different parts of Tanzania and were initially in different bands and decided to establish a new band to join forces to experience and expand their skills. In their songs they use different languages from various Tanzanian tribes such as Makonde, Nyakyusa, Nyasa, Nyamwezi and Swahili.

Afrikwetu is composed by the words ‘Afri’ and ‘Kwetu’, Swahili slang meaning Africa is our home. The choice of this name shows how proud they are of their African roots and the positive development of their music. Afrikali wishes to show young people in Africa and abroad that music has the power to make their voices be heard.

Afrikwetu style combines traditional dance choreography with traditional instruments such as drums (ngoma) mixed with other modern instruments like guitars, bass and 5pcs drums set makes their music very danceable. Since winning the MCSA Festival that sees the best young bands battle it out for the top honors held in 2005 in Blantyre, Malawi Afrikali has been doing an intense research on Tanzanian traditional instruments and music to incorporate in their European tour.

Their songs are about love, unity, poverty and fight against HIV/AIDS, their local communities, and about everyday life in Africa.