When Tanzanian music legend Ali Kiba appeared in his new music video Focus wearing what fans called a “nyanya sweater,” the internet went into overdrive.
The thick, vintage-inspired cardigan — instantly compared to something your grandmother might wear — became an overnight sensation, sparking laughter, nostalgia, and a flurry of memes.
But according to Kiba, the viral look wasn’t planned at all.
“Even I was surprised when the designer brought that sweater,” Kiba told fans. “I didn’t know it was something people would call a ‘granny sweater’.”
A Vintage Twist No One Expected
The sweater, a retro-style designer piece, was introduced to Kiba just moments before filming. He was already dressed in a crisp white shirt and yellow trousers — a clean, modern look fit for a tropical shoot.
Then came the sweater.
“I was already seated and ready when he came with it,” Kiba recalled. “I even wanted to ask, ‘What is this you’re bringing me?’”
According to the artist, his designer insisted that the garment completed the look he had envisioned for the video. The stylist reportedly said the sweater carried a certain “code” — a unique aesthetic that blended vintage charm with Kiba’s contemporary image.
When Nostalgia Meets Style
The sight of Ali Kiba — one of East Africa’s most stylish stars — in what fans dubbed a “granny sweater” struck a chord with millennials. Many said it reminded them of the woolly cardigans worn by their grandmothers at family gatherings in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Fashion observers, meanwhile, pointed out that Kiba’s look reflects the cyclical nature of style. What was once dismissed as outdated often finds its way back to the spotlight — this time through pop culture and celebrity influence.
Kiba’s Reaction and the Aftermath
Far from being offended, Kiba has embraced the light-hearted reactions. He praised his designer’s creativity and said the decision, however unexpected, worked out beautifully.
“I think he played a very good part in his work,” Kiba said. “He styled me well.”
Still, the singer made one thing clear — fans shouldn’t expect to see the now-iconic sweater again anytime soon.
“That situation just happened,” he added with a laugh. “It wasn’t planned.”
And just like that, a spontaneous wardrobe decision turned into one of 2025’s most talked-about fashion moments — proving once again that even in music, style can tell its own story
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