Tanzania is one of the brightest places in the art of music in East Africa. This makes its musical evolution unique on this continent, where music is wild, rhythmic, and entirely cultural.
Zanzibar music comes from the island of Zanzibar, which was once part of the Sultanate of Oman. The first recorded musician who played on the island was called “Makumba” (meaning “the drum”). He was born in the 18th century and was the first artist to play the drums with his hands. His name was Makumba after he came with other musicians such as Mwinyi, Kizimkazi, Mzuri, Mpungu, and others.
Zanzibari music is very different from that of Tanzania. It’s more lively and faster. The instruments used are the same as those used in Tanzania, but they have a different sound.
The main instrument is the Darbuka, which is similar to the Tambourine. Another instrument is the Dombra, which is like the guitar. There are also traditional instruments such as the Gimbri, the Sheng, the Shaker, the Sauti, and the Xylophone.
Zanzibar music is characterized by its percussion instruments, especially the Darbuka and the Dombra. These two instruments are used in almost all types of music. They can be heard in every kind of song, whether religious or not.
This is a glimpse of what Zanzibar has to offer in music and its background, which Rock has also influenced. The Sauti za Busara festival is held annually in Zanzibar. This is an event that brings together artists from around the world.
This festival is considered the largest gathering of musicians in the world. There are over 1,000 musicians who participate in this festival. The primary purpose of this festival is to promote the culture of Zanzibar and to spread the message of peace among the people of Zanzibar.
Music is a way of life in Tanzania and plays a significant role in people’s lives. Music is something that unites them, and it helps them express their feelings. Therefore, music is always present in people’s daily lives. It is part of their culture and a source of inspiration for them.
It is common to hear music everywhere you go in Tanzania. You will find it in the streets, restaurants, bars, clubs, and in your home.
Influence of rock music in Zanzibar
There are many kinds of music in Tanzania. Some of these include traditional music, folk music, pop music, and rock music.
Traditional music includes the music of the Swahili people. Groups of people usually perform folk music, and it is based on the rhythms of nature. Pop music is famous throughout the country. Rock music is one of the most popular forms of music in Tanzania.
Rock music combines rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, and funk. It originated in America during the 1960s. Rock music became very popular in Africa after the Beatles’ album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” in 1967.
Bands play rock music, mainly accompanied by electric guitars, bass guitars, drums, keyboards, and other musical instruments.
Some examples of rock music in Tanzania are:
1) Mambo ya Kijana (Mambo of Youth): A band formed in 1972. Their first hit was “Mambo ya Kijana.”
2) Wamaliza wa Uchumi (Uchumi Express): Formed in 1976. Their first hit was “Wamaliza wa Uchi.”
3) Chama Cha Cha: Formed in 1977. Their first hit was Chama cha chacha.
4) Bongo Jazz: Formed in 1980. Their first hit was “Bongo Jazz.”
5) Juma Jazz: Formed in 1982. Their first hit was “Juma Jazz.”
6) Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force: Formed in 1984. Their first hit was “Afrika Bambaata.”
7) Pamoja na Jambo: Formed in 1985. Their first hit was “Pamoja na Jambo.”
8) Super Mashin’: Formed in 1988. Their first hit was “Super mashin’.”
9) Tambourine: Formed in 1990. Their first hit was “Tambourine.”
10) Kizomba: Formed in 1991. Their first hit was “Kizomba.”
Some people say that music is the soul of a nation. Music is present in every aspect of life – religion, politics, business, education, sports, etc.
If you didn’t know, Freddie Mercury was born into the Indian Parsi community of Stone Town in Zanzibar. He moved to England and became famous worldwide as the lead singer of Queen. This was a tremendous influence on rock music; it was so crucial that they launched the Mercury House in Zanzibar, a museum of Freddy Mercury.
Interesting right? If you are considering visiting Zanzibar for the holidays, maybe you are wondering if you need a visa. The answer is yes, most nationalities require [Tanzania Tourist eVisa]. But, don’t worry about it; now it is easier to travel. You need only a few clicks to get your visa.
Header image: Wegmann, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
