Zabron Singers: The Tanzanian musical family that stole the show at President Ruto’s inauguration

Among the songs that dominated the campaigns of President William Ruto is ‘Mkono wa Bwana’ by popular Tanzanian Gospel group, Zabron Singers.

The song that earned the group of singers fame also gave them a special ticket to perform during the historic inauguration ceremony of President Ruto.

The singers, in an interview with Citizen Digital before returning to Tanzania, narrated the delight and pleasure of recognition by Kenya’s Head of State.

When Zabron Singers took to stage to perform their 2016 smash hit ‘Mkono wa Bwana,’ everyone in attendance at the Kasarani stadium during the inauguration on Tuesday rose from their seats to dance and sing along.

The melodious voices behind the popular ‘Sweetie Sweetie’ song were among the guests invited to perform during the ceremony. The call from State House, Nairobi, for the invitation is one that they never dreamt of.

“We got a call from State House inviting us to perform during the inauguration. We communicated and arranged how we will travel to Kenya. We thank President William Ruto, he is an amazing person and his recognition really humbled us,” Japheth Zabron, the group’s lead singer said.

“We really felt elated. There are many choirs from Tanzania and even Kenya who could have been invited to entertain. Who am I to perform before the Head of State, and not just one but several Heads of State? I’m very excited,” Victoria Zabron, another lead singer, added.

This was, however, not the first time that the group interacted with President William Ruto.

In the run up to the August 9 General Election, the President sought permission from the choir to use the song during Kenya Kwanza campaigns.

The song dominated countrywide rallies and was also played during the Kenya Kwanza grand manifesto launch in June.

“Just imagine someone holding a big office like the President calling us to request permission to use our song. He could have just used the song without informing us, but he did. It is unbelievable and humbling at the same time,” said Japheth.

The choir which has been around since the year 2000 has performed in various functions, but they confess that none has come close to the one at Kasarani stadium that was attended by over 60,000 people, including dignitaries and over 20 Heads of State.

“It has never happened before, not even in our country Tanzania. It is the greatness of God,” stated Victoria.

Japheth chimed: “We had hopes that one day God will open doors. The God of wonders has done it and in a big way.”

Even though it is the ‘Mkono wa Bwana’ and ‘Sweetie Sweetie’ songs that gave Zabron Singers their big breakthrough, the group has been around for a while.

Some of their other big songs include Nakutuma Wimbo, Imenigharimu, Nawapenda, and Nitaweza. However, ‘Mkono wa Bwana’ and ‘Sweetie Sweetie’ songs are quite popular in Kenya.

“It really makes us proud that Kenyans love us, from the Head of State and his family down to common citizens,” stated Japheth.

Interestingly Zabron Singers all come from one family.

“Zabron Singers is one family, we sing with our cousins and also our children,” Japheth explained.

The group rose to fame with their hit song ‘Mkono Wa Bwana’ which took the internet by storm in November 2020 – 4 years after its release - and has so far garnered over 45 million views on YouTube.