A little over 100 years ago, the Sultan of Zanzibar sent his court musicians abroad to study.They returned, and taraab ws born.
This genre, found in the towns of coastal Eastern Africa, is a happy hybrid of Arabic, Indian, and African styles, with the poignant songs of love and longing sung in the melodious language of Kiswahili.
Zanzibar style taraab is basically Egyptian song and modal practice, and the predilection for Arabic instruments, such as the oud, qanun, nai, and violin, and takt percussion.dumbeg & riq.
Mombasa is known for highly syncopated rythmn, with accordion, oud and violin backed up by guitar and modern drum kit.
Dar Es Salaam sings songs that may be right out of an Indian movie, and tablas are the popular form of percussion there in that cosmopolitan city.
In addition, you may hear varied instruments from anywhere, such as Japanese biwa or Latin American bongos, demonstrating the ecclectic nature of this music.
The Sounds of Taraab endeavor to familiarize audiences with the exciting and profound music amd dance from Africa's Eastern coast.
http://www.myspace.com/soundsoftaraab
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