Tanzanian music legend Ali Kiba has spoken out about the unexpected attention surrounding the vintage-style cardigan he wore in his latest music video, *Focus*. The outfit—affectionately dubbed a “granny sweater” by fans—has taken social media by storm, sparking nostalgia and playful debate about its retro charm.
The “Granny Sweater” Goes Viral
The cardigan, a classic designer sweater with vintage appeal, immediately drew the eye of viewers who associated it with old-school fashion from earlier generations. Millennials, in particular, reminisced about seeing similar sweaters worn by grandmothers during family gatherings—turning Ali Kiba’s outfit into an unexpected talking point across East African pop culture.
The viral fashion moment perfectly captures the cyclical nature of style—where vintage designs resurface to inspire modern trends. By pairing the cardigan with a white shirt and yellow trousers, Ali Kiba seamlessly blended retro elegance with contemporary music aesthetics, creating a look that resonated with audiences across age groups.
Ali Kiba: “I Was Surprised Myself”
Speaking candidly about the look, Ali Kiba admitted that the sweater wasn’t part of his original wardrobe plan. “I was surprised myself. I didn’t know the designer was bringing that sweater, and I didn’t even realize it was a ‘nyanya’ style,” he said, laughing as he recalled the shoot.
He explained that the weather in Tanzania was warm that day, and he was initially just holding the sweater when the designer insisted it would complete the intended visual style. “I was ready for the video—makeup done, outfit on—and then the stylist brought out that sweater. I almost asked why, but he said it was part of a certain code and look,” Kiba shared.
Creative Vision Behind the Look
The designer later revealed that the sweater was chosen to evoke a specific mood for the video—balancing simplicity, nostalgia, and visual warmth. Despite initial hesitation due to the heat, the stylist believed it would enhance the aesthetic tone of Focus—and the results clearly paid off.
Ali Kiba praised his stylist for the bold choice, saying, “I think he did a very good job in styling me and bringing the vision to life.”
No Repeat Appearance, But Lasting Impact
While Ali Kiba confirmed the viral sweater won’t make another appearance, he appreciated how fans embraced it. “It just happened—I didn’t know it would attract this kind of attention,” he said. The spontaneous moment has since inspired conversations about the revival of retro fashion and the influence of creative styling in music videos.
Blending Nostalgia and Modernity
Ali Kiba’s lighthearted response highlights how unplanned fashion moments can become cultural touchstones. The Focus video not only showcases his musical artistry but also underscores his evolving identity as a style influencer—bridging generations through creativity, authenticity, and a touch of vintage flair.
