For more than two decades, Alikiba has remained one of East Africa’s most respected musicians.
While many artists have struggled to adapt to changing trends, the Tanzanian star believes one decision has kept him at the top: never staying the same.
Speaking in a recent radio interview, the Bongo Flava icon said every generation of music comes with new tastes and expectations.
Instead of resisting change, he has consistently adjusted his sound to connect with younger audiences while remaining true to his identity.
You have to understand your audience. If you don’t evolve, people move on.
Alikiba admitted that maintaining relevance becomes more difficult with every passing year, especially as new artists emerge with fresh ideas and sounds.
He said musicians who fail to adapt often find themselves left behind, regardless of how successful they once were.
The singer also reflected on retirement, acknowledging that every career eventually comes to an end.
However, he insisted he is not thinking about stepping away from music just yet.
The time will come, yes, but only God knows when.
Instead of focusing on an exit date, Alikiba says his priority remains making quality music that can compete with the best on the continent and beyond.
He believes African artists have earned greater international recognition because they have raised production standards and embraced global competition.
After more than 20 years in the industry, Alikiba continues to prove that longevity is about more than hit songs.
For him, survival depends on knowing when to evolve without losing the sound that made fans fall in love with the music in the first place.