Andrew Shimba (Ashimba)

Ashimba - Biography/Profile
Ashimba is a Tanzanian singer-songwriter and guitarist based in Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam.  He released his debut album "Nuru Nyikani" in January 2009 and the album was well received by both the local  and international media as well as the public. Ashimba has a unique style that combines his roots in the East African traditional music, his mastering of different Tanzanian languages and a very playful voice. The essence of the songs is strong African melodies and lyrics with roots in the Tanzanian music tradition. His second album "Wakukaya" released by Finish label (UDUMOOD) in June 2013 the reason which facilitated his 3 months long tour of Scandinavia together with his Finland based band.
Currentily Ashimba works with two bands, one in Tanzania and the other band in Finland.
 
Acoustically the music of Ashimba stands out and will enchant the audience on its own. However, the producer of the debut album, Jakob Poll, with his electronic and curious approach to world music has added the songs a captivating electronic and contemporary sound. The lyrics are telling stories about life as a young man, it tells stories of Tanzanian tradition, of the problems of Tanzania and of family or women loved or lost. "I write lyrics about people and about life in Africa, about everyday problems as well as joy and happiness. People are what interests me…" explains Ashimba.