Tanzanian singer and songwriter Ronoo drops a solo record titled “Mbona Unanichukia,” a Swahili-language cut that translates directly to “Why Do You Hate Me.”
Ronoo has been carving out a lane in Tanzania’s hip-hop and R&B space. Appearing on collaborative records like “Rock Paper Na Makasi” with Tvrno and Mr. Tee, and “Yes I Do” with MUSICARLY. This solo release strips back the guest features and puts his own voice, which feels more personal than his usual output. That shift in approach suits the song’s subject matter. Instead, he lets the Swahili phrasing do the emotional work, and the restraint pays offs
Thematically, “Mbona Unanichukia” explores the confusion of being disliked or pushed away by someone whose feelings aren’t fully explained. It’s a relatable subject dressed in the kind of melodic Swahili songwriting that travels well beyond Tanzania’s borders.
As a complete record, “Mbona Unanichukia” works because Ronoo trusts the emotion of the song over any production flourish.
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