Tanzanian Bongo Flava star Hamadai is back with a fresh take on one of East Africa’s most loved classics, “Watu Na Viatu” featuring Kenyan coastal queen Nyota Ndogo.
Nyota Ndogo’s original “Watu Na Viatu” was one of the most quoted Swahili records of its day. The phrase “kuna watu na viatu duniani”, meaning there are real people and there are people who only appear useful or loyal, entered everyday language throughout Kenya and Tanzania. So for Hamadai to only reference the record, and not bring her in to rebuild it, is a bold creative decision. A classic is only worth re-visiting when the new version earns it’s existence rather than piggybacking on the good-will of the original.
Hamadai delivers a modern Bongo Flava groove that freshens up the record, but stays true to the spirit of the original. Also, the Tanzania-Kenya link that runs thru the collaboration seems natural rather than contrived. Both artists come from a background in coastal Swahili culture, which gives the record a grounding in something authentic rather than commercially expedient.
Nyota Ndogo’s release of the song was even more powerful in 2026 than it was when she first released the song. The writing hits on a lot of the jealousy and fake friendship dynamics that social media has added new layers to. So the themes have a contemporary edge which the updated production mirrors.
Nyota Ndogo’s voice lends this version the coastal warmth and cultural credibility that the original had. Her presence confirms this is not a mere sampling or tribute – it is an actual creative reunion with the original spirit of the song.
Listen to “Watu Na Viatu” below and tell us – does the Hamadai version do justice to the classic?
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