Tanzanian artist Fany, born Khalfan Ali Rashid, pays tribute to Zanzibar’s women on “Mabinti wa Kizanzibar,” a Bongo Flava record.
The title means “Zanzibari Girls,” and the song stays close to that idea. Fany highlights the beauty, elegance, modesty, gentle character, and traditional values often linked to women from the islands. He frames it as respect, not flattery, so the tribute feels warm and sincere.
Devy Marchods produced the record, and he gave it a coastal flavour. Warm melodic keys sit beside guitar licks and crisp shakers. A steady Afro-pop kick and a buoyant bassline then keep the mid-tempo groove bouncing. As a result, the sound stays relaxed and romantic without losing its Tanzanian identity. The clean mix also lets every vocal run and harmony come through clearly.
There is a bigger story behind it. Fany has been working to bring more attention to music from Zanzibar. He recently met Joseph Kusaga, the CEO of Clouds Media Group, to discuss ways to widen the visibility of island music across East Africa. This single fits that mission well.
Younger listeners get a modern sound, and coastal culture gets a proud spotlight. That balance is not easy, and Fany pulls it off with a light touch.
Take a trip to Zanzibar with “Mabinti wa Kizanzibar” and tell us – which coastal song is your favourite?
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