BIO

Kelly Haso, born Ally Saidi Mtulia in Temeke, Dar es Salaam, is a Tanzanian recording artist, vocalist, songwriter,

composer, performer and actor whose music celebrates African identity while bringing traditional East African musical influences into a contemporary sound.

Beginning his professional music journey in 2017, Kelly Haso has developed an artistic identity strongly influenced by Rhumba and Muziki wa Dansi, alongside Afrobeat, Afropop, dancehall and contemporary Tanzanian popular music.

At the heart of his work is a commitment to Kiswahili, African culture, storytelling, love and community. His approach to music goes beyond entertainment — he uses songwriting and performance as vehicles for storytelling, cultural expression and messages reflecting everyday African life.

Kelly Haso's music is particularly distinguished by his connection to live instrumentation and the rhythmic traditions associated with African Rhumba and Tanzanian Muziki wa Dansi. This foundation gives his work a distinctly East African identity while allowing him to engage contemporary audiences.

CAREER & RECOGNITION

Kelly Haso has steadily built his career within Tanzania's music and creative sector. His professional profile on Music In Africa records his career as beginning in 2017, and identifies him across several creative disciplines, including

music, composition, storytelling and acting. His profile also records recognition as Best Male Singer of the Year in Rhumba / Muziki wa Dansi in Tanzania in

2022. Earlier published profiles additionally document recognition associated with the Cheza Kidansi Music Awards,

including recognition as a Tanzanian Rhumba emerging artist and for Rhumba collaboration.

These achievements reflect his continuing contribution to the preservation and contemporary development of Rhumba and Muziki wa Dansi for a new generation of listeners.

MUSIC & DISCOGRAPHY

Kelly Haso has developed a growing catalogue of original music, including Mwana, Hadithi, Lulu, Mnanisema, Nakeyi, Nashindwa, Come Back, Nitunzie, Angel, Honey, Usiniumize and Bolingo. His BOLINGO project brings together twelve tracks and represents an important body of work within his recorded catalogue. His more recent
releases demonstrate his continuing development as a recording artist, including Zainab, released in May 2026 —
one of the latest additions to his expanding catalogue.
Selected Releases
Year Release
2026 Zainab
2026 Moyo
2025 Mzuri
2025 BOLINGO (12-track project)
ARTISTIC VISION Kelly Haso's artistic vision is centred on taking Tanzanian and African music, Kiswahili storytelling and culture to wider international audiences. His music seeks to connect generations — respecting the heritage and instrumentation of African Rhumba and Muziki wa Dansi while presenting those traditions through contemporary
songwriting and production.
Through music and performance, Kelly Haso seeks to promote African cultural identity, the Kiswahili language, love.and unity, community education, African storytelling, Tanzanian musical heritage, and cross-cultural connection. This combination of heritage and contemporary creativity positions him as part of a generation of Tanzanian artists working to ensure that traditional African musical influences remain visible and relevant within the modern global music industry.

INTERNATIONAL PROFILE

With a catalogue available through international digital music platforms, Kelly Haso's ambition extends beyond
Tanzania. His sound and cultural positioning make his work relevant to African music festivals, diaspora
celebrations, cultural exhibitions, tourism and heritage programmes, international collaborations, live concerts,
and Africa-focused business and cultural events. His performances offer audiences not simply Tanzanian music, but an opportunity to experience the rhythm, language, storytelling and cultural character of East Africa.

PROFESSIONAL POSITIONING

Kelly Haso represents contemporary Tanzania through music rooted in African heritage. Blending Rhumba, Muziki
wa Dansi and modern African sounds, his work brings together culture, language, storytelling and live performance, creating a platform through which Tanzanian creativity can connect with audiences across Africa, the diaspora and the international music community.