Zena Yusuf Mohammed (born 20 December 1987, in Tanzania), known by her stage name Shilole, is a Tanzanian musician[1] and actress. She specializes in R&B, Zouk, and new generation Tanzania music popularly known as Bongo Fleva. Shilole is considered one of the top female artists in Tanzania; her works has been nominated 3 times in KTMA,[2] Tanzania's top music awards.[3] She has also recorded with a number of artists including Mr Camera (South Africa) and Selebobo (Nigeria).[4] Shilole is considered as one of the most influential artist among her fans and is said to be the most loved female artist in Tanzania, the first female artist in Tanzania to clock 1 million followers in Instagram, Tanzania's most popular social network...[5] Shilole is credited as one of the key figures in the popularization of Tanzania's new music genre Bongo Flava, as a career to upcoming female artists.

Shilole
Background information
Birth nameZena Yusufu Mohammed
Born20 December 1987 (1987-12-20) (age 36)
Igunga, Tanzania
GenresR&B, Bongo Flava, Zouk, Afro Beat
Occupation(s)Musician, actress, songwriter
Years active2008–present
LabelsIndependent
Websitewww.shilole.co.tz

Early life

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Shilole was born in Igunga, Tabora Tanzania in 1987. Raised by a single mom who died at an early age, Shilole worked hard to overcome her challenges to become one of the most influential artists of her generation in Tanzania.[6] Shilole's story of overcoming a hard childhood to become one of the leading female artists in Tanzania is considered as an inspiration to many people in Tanzania. Her marriage in 2017-2018, was covered by Nairobi News.[7]

Discography

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Singles

  • Lawama (2013)
  • Dume Dada (2013)
  • Paka la Bar (2013)
  • Nakomaa na Jiji (2014)
  • Chuna Buzi (2014)
  • Namchuka (2015)
  • Malele (2015)
  • Nyang’anyang’a (2016)
  • Say My Name (2016)
  • Hatutoi Kiki (2016)
  • Kigori (2017)
  • Mchaka Mchaka (2018)

Brand associations

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  • In 2016 she signed up with Dume Condoms Tanzania to be their ambassador[citation needed]
  • In 2015 she was appointed by Tanzania's ruling party CCM as one of the key influential artists to mobilize voters for the then Presidential candidate Dr John Pombe Magufuli who won the election.[citation needed]
  • In 2018 she signed up with Tanzania Telecommunications Limited (TTCL) a government owned telecommunications company as their ambassador.[citation needed]
  • In 2017 she established Shishi Foods, a chain of swahili food restaurants in Tanzania's commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.
  • Shilole is now a great businesswoman and owning a famous restaurant known as Shishi food and she has extended its operation to Dodoma and made the service available in two regions Dar es salaam and Dodoma.

References

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  1. ^ "I'm the hottest musician around-Tanzanian artiste Shilole - The Standard Entertainment".
  2. ^ "Mpigie Kura Msanii Umpendae Kwenye Tuzo Za Mwaka Huu Za Kill. - Full News Tz". Fullnewstz.blogspot.com. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Shilole: I wanted to be a pilot". www.msn.com. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  4. ^ "Shilole Does a collabo with Selebobo While in Nigeria for a Show (PICS) | KENYA YOUTHS RESCUE TEAM". Archived from the original on 13 October 2016. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  5. ^ "Instagram".
  6. ^ "WilliamMaleCela.com".
  7. ^ "Vanessa Mdee splashes cash for fellow bongo artiste's honeymoon at luxurious Kempinski". Nairobi News. Retrieved 12 December 2020.