These Beats Are From Tanzania: "Saa Tano" And "Sere" By Emanuel Austin
From Tanzania to global stages through music and dance.
Emanuel Austin's song "Saa Tano" has inspired worldwide dance challenges. Next up is "Sere," the latest release from his Tanzania-based production team.
"Sere" is about putting in the hard work, seizing every opportunity, and ultimately achieving success. The track celebrates hard work and earned success through an infectious rhythm,” says Austin.
Emanuel Austin was born in Tanzania and raised in Germany. It was in his first home in Dar es Salaam that Austin found his sound and musical language: Swahili. The catchy language and his Afropop sound are sure to keep you hooked.
Austin is trained in a wide range of dance styles, including hip-hop, Afro-fusion, bachata, discofox, tango, and salsa—the latter inspired by his father figure, who built a life in Germany as a salsa teacher.
Together with his wife, Austin leads a long-established dance institution in Germany. They have built a dance school community of over 1,400 active members and created a platform that empowers and connects people through movement and culture.
When Austin returns to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, he runs workshops and funds dance studios for children and young adults. His dance community there spans over 1,000 people.
Young people in Tanzania dance to 'Sere':
"I came to Germany at the age of five, separated from my parents and under the care of my uncle. It was during these formative years that I developed my resilience, discipline, and long-term vision, starting from very modest beginnings,” says Austin.
Austin now creates powerful stage performances that blend African rhythms and sounds with strong choreography and emotional storytelling.
He has built a multidisciplinary career combining music, dance, and high-energy live performances. He has performed as a backup dancer for hip-hop and R&B artists, including Don Omar. As a featured vocalist, he has collaborated with U.S. artists, including Ne-Yo, Fat Joe, and The Game. At this year’s Grammy Awards, he connected with creative director Anže Skrube, whose portfolio includes the Reputation Tour for Taylor Swift. Skrube then spontaneously directed the music video for Austin’s new single, "Sere," on Venice Beach. Today, whenever Emanuel Austin travels to his homeland of Tanzania, he is met by reporters at the airport.
Austin is the ambassador of Streetkids International e.V., a German charity that has built and operates an orphanage, a nursery, and two primary schools in Tanzania.
"My work is guided by one core belief: everyone should help at least one other person. Through music, dance, and live performances, I strive to inspire others to grow, give back, and create a positive impact,” Austin says.
Emanuel Austin's desire to help others and do good was shaped by his grandmother, Joyce Juliet Austin, whom he deeply cherishes and holds in high regard. Even today, her words still ring in his ears: "Try to help as much as you can."
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