TANZANIA: THE BAND UNIQUE SISTERS HAVE BECOME QUITE POPULAR IN TANZANIA SINCE THE RELEASE OF THEIR FIRST SONG IN 1998

Record ID: 633819

  • Title: TANZANIA: THE BAND UNIQUE SISTERS HAVE BECOME QUITE POPULAR IN TANZANIA SINCE THE RELEASE OF THEIR FIRST SONG IN 1998
  • Date: 31st December 2002
  • Summary: SV/MCU UNIQUE SISTERS PERFORMING (3 SHOTS)
  • Embargoed: 15th January 2003 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: DAR-ES-SALAAM, TANZANIA
  • Country: Tanzania, United Republic of
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVAENH3BDBJA2AL5GZ5EJ5N9SLDW
  • Story Text: Radhia, Rahima and Radhina are three unique sisters. Since the release of their first song in 1998, the trio have become very popular in their native Tanzania.
    Reuters went to meet them.
    The three singers who make up the band Unique Sisters are quite literally that - sisters.
    Since the release of their first song in 1998, the three sisters, Rahima, Radhia, and Radhina Kipozi have become quite popular in Tanzania.
    Their style could be called Mainstream pop but the sisters themselves aren't ready to be categorized.
    Radhia Kipozi says "We don't like to be labeled like R&B artists because ourselves we listen to different types, even listen to Indian and Arab music, the name "Unique" says it all."
    Even though the elder sisters, Rahima and Radhia started singing in 1998, it's only with the release of their new album "Unitastique" that Radhina has joined the group.
    Right now she's only singing background but the plan is for her to move into a leading role as she gains experience.
    Another thing that adds to the sisters' uniqueness is their understanding of the Japanese language and culture.
    Small wonder - they grew up in Japan during the eighties.
    At this concert which was held privately for Japanese citizens living in Tanzania, not only did the groups fans enjoy listening to the music but they found it danceable as well.
    The fact that the sisters speak the language makes it easy for them to interact with their Japanese fans.
    Some of their songs like "Malaika Wa Moyo Wangu" or in English "Angel of My Heart" are a mixture of three languages, Japanese, English, and Swahili but it's not just the Japanese that turns their fans on.
    The girls are managed by their parents. Both mother and father are very supportive of the girls' efforts.
    Their mother says "We decided to support them because they showed interest at a very early age and they were talented. I know that many parents don't allow their children to be part of the music industry because they think it's immoral or something like that. Now my husband and I believed that that's not true and so if the children really want to do this, we agree."
    Despite their growing success as the Unique Sisters each of the girls has her own private ambitions and say they haven't given much thought to professional singing careers.
    Rahima says "We've been doing this music as a part time hobby. I myself do translation for Japanese language in English, and I love, I love talking Japanese, I love writing in Japanese, I love the Japanese culture."
    Radhia says "I love designing so I'm hoping to go to designing school, take up designing, interior decoration, things like that."
    Says Radhina "I am still trying to get through my exams and stuff like that. I love to be something - something! I haven't decided yet."
    Even though they are undecided now and see singing and dancing as just another way of having fun, their act is something more.
    With their impressive vocal arrangements and choreography this group is truly something special. The ability to do it all in not just one language but three makes them truly unique.
    Who knows what the future truly holds. We could be looking at one of the continent's next big musical acts.
    ENDS
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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