Fatuma binti Baraka (Arabic: فاطمة بنت بركة‎; c. 1910 – 17 April 2013),[1][2] popularly known as Bi Kidude, was a Zanzibari-born Tanzanian Taarab singer. She has been called the "queen of Taarab and Unyago music" and was inspired by Siti binti Saad.[3] Born in the village of Kitumba in modern-day Kati District of Unguja South Region and raised in the village of Mfagimaringo, Bi Kidude was the daughter of a coconut seller in colonial Zanzibar. Bi Kidude's exact date of birth is unknown and much of her life story is uncorroborated, but she was believed to be the oldest touring singer in the world before her death. In 2005, Bi Kidude received the WOMEX award for her contribution to music and culture in Zanzibar. She was the subject of two documentaries by film maker Andrew Jones.

Bi Kidude
Born
Fatuma binti Baraka

c. 1910
Died17 April 2013(2013-04-17) (aged 102–103)
NationalityTanzanian
OccupationSinger
StyleTaarab
AwardsWOMEX Award
Medal for Arts and Sports
Musical career
OriginKati District, Unguja South Region, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Genres
InstrumentsVocals • Ngoma drums
Labels
  • Independent

Awards and nominations

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Honours

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Order Country Year
  Medal for Arts and Sports   Tanzania 2012

Awards

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Nominations

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ BBC Africa
  2. ^ BBC Swahili
  3. ^ Rachel Hamada (17 April 2013). "Lover of life". Mambo magazine. Archived from the original on 2015-10-25.
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