Tanzania: New Sony signing Abby Chams to release single on 17 June

Sony snapped up the talented 19 year old, who is based in Dar es Salaam, in a deal announced on 8 June.

Music for Abby Chams, real name Abigail Chamungwana, has played an integral part in her life since she was a child. Apart from singing in Swahili, French and English, she has mastered four musical instruments: violin, piano, guitar and drums.

The singer, who recently expressed her delight at joining Sony Music, is working on her self-titled EP Abigail on which she collaborates with artists like fellow Tanzanian artist Harmonize and South Africa’s Blxckie. She has previously worked with Tanzanian stars Rayvanny, Darassa and Rosa Ree as well as James Nee (Malawi), Jimmy D Psalmist (Nigeria) and Jekalyn Carr (US).

“I feel blessed and honoured to be one of the performing female artists representing Africa on a major label,” Abby Chams said. “This is a dream come true, a manifestation of sorts. It is a testament to my faith and hard work. The world is about to get the Abigail experience.” 

The singer, who won the Outstanding Youth in Entertainment Award at the 2021 Tanzania Emerging Youth Awards, is also one of the country’s biggest influencers. In 2020, UNICEF selected her to be a youth advocate on mental health and gender equality in Tanzania. She is also an ambassador for the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.