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Tanzania, United Republic of
Tanzania, United Republic of
Journey
Seif Shaban, known professionally as Matonya, is a legendary Tanzanian Bongo Flava and R&B artist whose smooth vocals defined an era. Born in Tanga as the second of four children, he initially performed with the group Diborn Circle before moving to Dar es Salaam to launch a solo career. He adopted the stage name "Matonya," originally the name of a famous Dar es Salaam beggar, to symbolize his own humble beginnings and early struggles to gain a foothold in the music industry.
Matonya’s rise to the top was meteoric. In 2006, his breakout hit "Vaileti" became the most played song in Tanzania, earning him massive acclaim. He followed this with the timeless R&B classic "Anita," featuring Lady Jaydee. His dominance was officially recognized at the 2007 and 2009 Tanzania Music Awards (KTMA). Most notably, in 2009, he was one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home both Song of the Year and Best Collaboration for "Anita." His 2006 album, Siamini, is still regarded as a masterpiece of the genre, featuring collaborations with heavyweights like Mwana FA and Mr. Blue.
Throughout his career, Matonya has received multiple nominations and wins at the Kilimanjaro Music Awards, including honors for Best Male Artist and Best R&B Song. Despite a hiatus, his 2020 album "Makinika" and 2023 singles like "Penzi Msiba" prove his enduring relevance. Today, he remains a respected pioneer who transformed the sound of Tanzanian R&B.