Bella Kombo is a Tanzanian born Gospel singer, songwriter, minister, designer and an advocate for women whose most notable works include ‘Nifinyange’, ‘Mungu ni mmoja’, ‘Mwema’ and ‘Ameniona’ which have all amassed millions of views on YouTube.
Bella’s songs seek to reunite people to the love of Christ which is inspired by her desire to leave behind a legacy for people to find their purpose in Christ.
She attributes the impact of her music to receiving revelations from the scriptures during her fellowship with God. For instance, ‘Nifinyange’ which means mould me was born at a time when she desired for God to transform her life. The song has a slow rhythm which draws worshippers to it for its profound yet very humble message of meekness.
Bella Kombo has traversed borders by collaborating with artists across Africa such as Evelyn Wanjiru and Neema Gospel Choir from Tanzania to bring to life ‘Mungu ni mmoja’, a powerful song that seeks to unite worshippers despite having different backgrounds and languages.
Despite facing some backlash since its release, Bella has reminded people of its core message: that they all worship the same God.
Bella Kombo’s Bio
Bella was born in Tanga, Tanzania to Muslim parents but shortly after, the mother received salvation, a move that would change the trajectory of their lives. This decision led to the divorce of her parents and a young Bella, then Farida Njuu would move to Dar es Salaam with her mother and sister.
It was then that her mother changed her name to Christabella Kizito Kombo and has since grown up in a Christian home. She is the last born in a family of 2 children, from her mother’s side.
Bella went to Mbagala Kuu Primary where she took her primary studies before proceeding to Uhuru Mchanganyiko for the first part of her secondary school and ultimately, Green Acres Schools where she completed her secondary education.
Bella’s story of salvation is like no other. Initially a secular artist, Bella received salvation after a personal encounter with Christ. Way before she was the powerhouse that we have come to know and love, she was a secular musician.
One time as she was preparing to leave the house for an evening of performing, she abruptly fell ill and was hospitalized for 3 months despite there not being anything wrong with her body. It was in hospital that she saw a vision in which she was asked to choose between life and death and she chose life. Six months later, she gave her life to Christ and began her work in ministry.
Aside from being a music minister, Bella Kombo has established herself as a fashion designer which stems from her passion for fashion.
Moreover, she started a program called Tanzanite that meets once every end month to mentor young mothers and women who have been abused. The program was inspired by her own journey of being a young mother and abuse.
Tanzanite empowers women by connecting them with networks that create sustainable income opportunities, enabling them to fend for themselves and their dependents.
Bella Kombo in a Nutshell
| Full Name | Bella Kombo |
| Former Aliases | Farida Njuu, Christabella Kizito, |
| Birthday Date | May 20 |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ethnic Tribe | Rangi Tribe |
| Alma Matter | Green Acres Schools |
| Profession | Gospel singer, songwriter, minister, designer and women’s advocate |
| Favorite own composition | Unifinyange |
| Favorite Food | African and Sea Food |
Marriage
Bella Kombo was previously married before officially parting ways with the husband in 2023.
Details surrounding both her marriage and subsequent split remain private though the singer confirmed her single status as of last year.
While there has been speculation linking Bella to Tanzanian singer Zoravo, the pair has consistently denied any romantic involvement, emphasizing their close friendship. The singer has, however, expressed openness in finding love again in accordance to God’s will for her life.
In what she looks for in a potential suitor? A man who fears God and one with a vision, going on to specify the difference between being born again and having reverence for God or fearing God.
Bella is a proud mother to one, a son named Alvin, aged 11 as of 2024. Her personal life, though often the subject of public interest, largely remains private with the talented singer sharing mainly on her music and ministry.
Musical Journey
Bella stems from a musical family and as such started exploring music at an early age. Bella and her sister, Precious Kombo, would sing alongside their mother in the church choir before officially joining the choir.
After completing her Highschool studies, she enrolled in Tanzania House of Talents where she officially started pursuing a music career. It was here that she started gaining recognition with other artists the likes of Lady JayDee, recruiting her as a backup vocalist.
Bella went on to join Machozi band, with whom she sang until she got into Bongo Star Search and was later recruited by Skylight Band Tanzania.
She stayed with Skylight Band Tanzania until she rededicated her life to Christ in 2014. On the heels of her newly found salvation, she began working with Glorious Worship Team which has been home to other Gospel bigwigs such as Paul Clement and Angel Benard, with whom they sang Bwana wa Majeshi.
Challenges
Bella Kombo has had her fair share of challenges in her life and her musical journey. In her personal life, she encountered a devastating loss by losing her mother in 2014 and has since been grappling with the loss.
Bella Kombo has openly embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood, often speaking about the financial and emotional struggles she faced after having a child at a young age. These experiences inspired her to create Tanzanite, a mentorship program named after the rare and precious gemstone. Through Tanzanite, Bella supports young women facing similar challenges, helping them navigate their circumstances with resilience and hope.
Moreover, she was married to a Muslim man but given their very different belief systems, they ended up getting a divorce.
Professionally, she once got into drug abuse in order to gain stage confidence back when she was still a secular artist.
Now a reformed person and a gospel minister, her biggest challenge has been receiving criticism for her tattoos which she got before she received salvation. However, she looks at them as symbols of her testimony of what God has done for her by saving her.
Bella also speaks of financial hurdles that she faced with regards to doing live performances and accepting every offer to perform just so that she could reimburse herself for the expenses she incurred. God corrected her by allowing some of her performances to have a positive impact while others a negative one.
Discography
Shortly after her stint at Glorious Worship Team, Bella began her solo career. She released her debut single Alpha Omega in 2017 followed by Umenibadilisha in 2018 before taking a 2-year hiatus to work on her salvation and her relationship with God.
Her comeback was marked with the release of Mshindi and true to its name, it was the affirmation she sought deeply from God on her ministry.
This song set the tone for her subsequent releases including Milele, a standout piece featured on her first live album, ‘Ameniona'(He has seen me).
Ameniona bears multiple noteworthy tracks, starting with the title track ‘Ameniona‘, that took a simple song that we’ve sang since childhood and gave it a Sebene twist.
Then there is Nifinyange. A popular track among worshippers everywhere that gained her much acclaim. This song has been a massive ministration in the hearts of many, who, like the talented gospel singer find themselves in a desire to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.
The album has 18 tracks in total including Unatisha which features international sensation Takie Ndou and Tunashukuru with her long-term friend, John Kavishe, who has been instrumental in her music career.
Bella has released multiple singles and an EP too.
In 2023, she released the single ‘Kama Naota’, before relasing its remix the same year, a duet with Victor Maestro. In the same year, she released Amina, Lifter of my Head and Mungu Ni Mmoja, featuring Kenyan artist Evelyn Wanjiru that has gone on to become her most popular release yet.
Bella collaborated with Paul Harding last year to bring to life her EP dubbed ‘Sina Mungu Mwingine’ that features only the title track. The EP was released in July 2024.
Her latest release is the single Omba.
Awards and Recognition
Bella Kombo has received significant recognition for her impactful ministry, with her work and influence continuing to grow. In 2023, she was nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the Sauti Awards. Although she did not take home the award, the singer’s talent remains one to watch out for.
In 2024, her collaboration on Mungu Ni Mmoja with Evelyn Wanjiru and Neema Gospel Choir garnered widespread acclaim. The song received two nominations: Song of the Year 2024 at the Kibali Awards 2024 and Best Song of the Year at the Digital Men & Women Awards 2024 where they won the coveted title.
Her work continues to resonate deeply with the masses both locally and internationally, firmly establishing her as a standout artist. With her record, we can confidently anticipate more awards and nominations in the future.
Her journey reflects dedication and talent, ensuring a lasting impact in the gospel music scene.