Carola Kinasha, the Tanzanian singer and musician, has released her second album, Maono. Maono meaning vision in Kiswahili, has music that crosses cultural boundaries, from Tanzania to Congo, a unique blend of the traditional and modern. Carola comes from the Maasai people of northern Tanzania, or as she puts it “proudly Tanzanian and forever Maasai”

An accomplished performer in her own right, Carola is also an activist fighting for the basic rights of musicians in her country. She has worked extensively on campaigns to bring music education back into the schools of Tanzania. In 2002 Carola was recognized by the MA Africa Awards in South Africa. Carola’s band ‘Shada’ began in late 80’s with the aim of creating an authentic Tanzanian sound. Carola received her higher education at the University of Dar-es-Salaam and she is one of the few women who have opted for music career after college graduation.

Both Tanzanian and Maasai by tribe, Carola Kinasha was born in Longido, a remote village near the Kenyan border, as one of 8 children.

Carola’s father played accordion, her brothers played piano, organ and guitar, and her mother still sings in the village choir. However village life didn’t mean isolation from outside musical influences. While away at school or traveling, Carola’s older siblings would bring home music from other worlds. Her late brother Esto brought home country music, gospel and calypso; Abedi soul and classical, Oculi Tanzanian and Congolese music while her sister Juddy brought home South African music.

See Carola and Shada live at Sweet Easy, Oyster Bay Dar es Salaam every Saturday 8.30pm til midnight and Sundays at the Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel Dar es Salaam 12.30 til 3.30pm.

www.kongoi.com