Music in Kenya: Exploring the Swahili Culture

1. Swahili Music in Kenya Nicole Crisler Chris Barringer Jen Lasiter Sarah Lasiter Fall 2004

2. Culture The Swahili Culture is different depending on who you ask, including the Swahili people; but one thing is certain, they do exist and they share a language, certain customs, a history, and a geographic location. The Swahili language is very prominent in most of Africa, in fact English and Swahili are the two main languages. In Kenya Swahili is the language most of the music is written in. In Kenya (the country we are focusing on) song is the distinctive musical expression. Children learn to sing as soon as they can talk.

3. The Music There are three main forms of Swahili music in Kenya: -Taarab-the traditional music of the Swahili, combines elements of African percussion with Arabic rhythms -Omutibo-Luhya rhythms and melodies are used while three-vocal parts are sung in harmony -Benga-primarily the dance music, it has quick syncopated rhythms. Each of theses music styles are a little different, but they are all sung in the Swahili language.

4. Taarab Taarab Music combines Arabic, Indian, and African instruments with several vocalists. -The traditional music used large numbers of musicians and Arab instruments. Instruments include: string instruments such as the Oud and violin, combined with tablas and doumbeks, occasionally an accordion or an organ will play also. The groups that perform can range anywhere from small “parties” to orchestra’s. -Taarab uses Swahili poetry as lyrics, the songs are about the life of human beings in every way. There are songs about grief, comfort, love, happiness, and even comical songs, they provide an explanation of life in a very rhythmic way. Modern Taarab - Taarab continues to evolve, now using electric keyboards and guitars along with the traditional instruments of the music, at the heart of it remains the very rhythmic poetic Swahili lyrics.

5. Omutibo Omutibo was developed in the 1960’s and 1970’s It is characterized instrumentally with two guitars and a fanta bottle rhythm section. One guitar is played high and one guitar is played low, which is in part determined by the size of the guitar. Luhya rhythms and melodies are used while three vocal parts are sung in harmony with one another. -The “fanta bottle rhythm” is just what it says, they use glass bottles to tap on to make sounds, they are used like a percussion instrument.

6. Benga Benga Music is characterized by its quick syncopated melodies. Two or Three guitars chase each other, or “duel”. There are prominent bass lines, it’s a very high energy music. The songs can be about love, history, or religion, but they are well known because its considered the dance music.

7. Tabla/dumbak Instruments

8. Instruments • Tabla/dumbak • Bongos

9. Instruments • Tabla/dumbak • Bongos • Kibangala

11. Instruments • Tabla/dumbak • Bongos • Kibangala • Chapuo drum

12. Instruments • Tabla/dumbak • Bongos • Kibangala • Chapuo drum • Tambourine

13. Instruments • Tabla/dumbak • Bongos • Kibangala • Chapuo drum • Tambourine • Electric Guitar

14. Swahili Groups

15. Daudi Kabaka • The “King of Twist” • Began singing in church • First hit at age 15 in 1954 • Songs were usually short, poetic ballads about love, marriage, patriotism and hard work • Music career spanning 5 decades

16. Kakai Kilonzo’s Kilimambogo Brothers Band • Popular in the 70’s and 80’s • First recorded in 1975 • Large audience crossing ethnic and regional lines • Swahili lyrics - Kamba sound • Kakai passed away in 1987

17. Sali Oyugi Captivating storyteller and dancer Band is called ‘Karma Simba’ Sings, dances, plays acoustic guitar and congas Performing professionally since 1993 Funk and Jazz influence Currently performing out of Boston

18. Swahili Expressions

19. Preserving Stories • Traditional Stories • Legends • Myths • Beliefs

20. Lamentations

21. Protest • Early/ Forced Marriages Lamented by Young Girls Who Have No Choice =Songs written and sung to express discontent and bitterness

22. Funerals • In Kenya, music is not simply used for entertainment but for communication. It’s not just pleasing to the ear but expresses different aspects of life. Ω Swahili dirges are written and sung in remembrance of the deceased.

23. Celebrations!

24. Swahili Holidays = New Year’s Day [January 1] =Jamburi Day [December 12] = Labour Day [May 1]

25. G u e s t s Time to entertain & welcome! Swahili people love to sing for their guests. Songs and techniques are taught to eager participants

26. Worship “There are two places where we show our African teeth. at church and at weddings.” Joseph Kimani + Various instruments + Full participation + A Celebration for hours

27. Questions True or False: • In Kenya, music is used purely for entertainment. • Kukai Kilonzo died at an early age. • Taarab is the Kenyan dance music. Multiple Choice: • What is the seven string instrument similar to the guitar?

28. Bibliography • www.swahilionline.com • www.kenya.com • www.afropop.org • www.worldmusic.net • www.biochem.chem.hagoya-v.a.c.jp/ • www.cdbaby.com/cd/salioyugi • http://members.aol.com/dpateron/daudi.htm • www.kentimes.com • www.ossres.net/girr/no6/no6-03.htm • http://trumpet.sdsu.edu/m345/African-Music1.html • http://encarta.msn.com • www.sierraleone-vibe.nstemp.com/about.html • www.urbana.org • www.allthingskenyan.com/music.html • http://www.postershop.com/Naidoo-GR-African-Dance-Mkhumbane-8700029.html • www.drwisetravel.com/my_photo_collection.html • http://www.indiamusicals.com/percussion/dumbak/images/dumbak.jpg • http://www.yourafrica.com/shop/images/bongos%20pair.gif • http://www.luth.org/plants/pl28.jpg • http://lvfolkmusicsociety.org/tambourine.jpg • http://www.mva.org.au/mvis/siroccokit/electricguitar.jpg