Shakila Saidi (often referred to as Bi. Shakila) was a legendary Tanzanian Taarab singer whose career spanned over four decades, earning her a reputation as one of the most influential voices in East African music. Born in Tanga, she rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s as a lead vocalist for the iconic Black Star Musical Club and later the Lucky Star Musical Club, where she helped modernize the genre by incorporating electric instruments and faster rhythms. Known for her emotive delivery and poetic lyrics, her most famous hits include "Macho Yanacheka", "Moyo Unalia", and "Kifo cha Mahaba." After a long tenure with the JKT Taarab band (Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa), she retired in 2009. Shakila passed away on August 19, 2016, in Dar es Salaam, leaving behind a massive legacy that continues to define the "Golden Era" of Coastal Taarab.