Thursday, November 19th, 2009
The one thing that is common the world over is music. It could exist in the simplest of forms as just a series of harmonies or as a complex musical piece that has taken months to create and perfect. In either case music is an integral part of how we live and relate in the world today. Music also generally tells a lot about its source. Every form of music is informed by the culture it is from. African songs are a good example of music that tells a story about its source.
African songs, as the name suggests, are songs that have their roots and origin in the continent of Africa. Africa is home to many different cultures from many different countries. Some of these cultures have been very prolific in getting their music out there and it has been accepted well by both the African and international markets. There have been different African songs that have made it to the world stage. Let’s take a look at a few.
The Afro Beat is one of the most easily recognized and most popular types of African music. These African songs blend together different styles to create a unique new sound. The Afro Beat draws from percussion, jazz, funky rhythms from the 70s, and Yoruba music. Fela Kuti is credited with creating this musical style. He was a Nigerian musician who used his music to express his radical political opinions. This style of music became very popular in Africa and has caught the attention of the world stage. It has grown into one of the most influential musical styles to emerge from Africa. A newer form or variation is Afro talk which was recently created by an artist simply known as Georgy B. This form of music is quickly gaining popularity and is the next genre of music to hit the airwaves.
Another popular kind of African song is Kwaito. Kwaito is popular among people on the southern tip of Africa. It began during the resistance against apartheid. South African tribes used the music to express their opinions about the oppression they faced. Kwaito may have even played an important role in the collapse of the oppressive regime. This African music has a well defined sound and its followers have spread beyond Africa to include a world wide audience.
Lingala is a common type of African music among people in Central and East Africa. It is believed to have originates in the Democratic Republic of Congo. One particular type of Lingala is called Saben. Saben is quite popular and is the most common style of Lingala. The Saben African song is said to have its rhythm based upon the sounds of a moving train. Lingala and Saben have spread beyond the Congo and are gaining popularity all over Africa.
Kapungala is a unique blend of Lingala and Kapuka. Kapuka is a traditional type of African music played by the people of Kenya. Kapungala brings together the old and new and emerges with a distinct new sound that is quickly gaining popularity in the East African market.
Africa is also home to a great deal of traditional folk songs. These are generally songs that were passed down from generation to generation; they were sung to convey some form of teaching and often contained a moral inclination. Many of the songs were also known as “work” songs. These were songs that were sung as women ploughed the fields in a group. These songs kept them motivated as they did their work.
It is plain to see that African music has a colorful and rich history that gives the world a glimpse into this mysterious continent. The diversity of cultures continues to produce unique African songs and styles of music that are loved by Africans and international music lovers as well.
You can learn more about African songs at the African Side website. While you are there, you can also watch the trailer of the hit African movie called The African Side.
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Monday, August 3rd, 2009
by Sam Njihia
Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean made up mainly of Unguja and Pemba Islands, and several Islets, is characterized by beautiful beaches and fringing coral reefs. Unguja, as the main island of Zanzibar is locally known, is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the coast of mainland Tanzania. The island stretches 60 miles long, 20 miles wide and occupies an area of approximately 650 square miles.
Zanzibar is a whole year round destination. Its climate is favorable with temperatures rising to 25-28 degrees centigrade in summer, which blends well with the cool breeze from the sea. Long rains are normally expected in the months of April and May, while short rains come in November.
Though you can get to Zanzibar both by air and water, taking a flight is the most convenient way, as it is fast and comfortable. There is a daily flight from Nairobi to Zanzibar operated by the Kenya airways. You are more likely to have great and breathtaking views if seated on the left side seat thus I highly recommend this. Once in the island, you should go for tours to stone Town, spice farms, and a number of beautiful unspoilt beaches like Jambiani.
Omani Palaces and towers, graceful dhows, classic Arabic sailboats plying the harbor since centuries and the scent of spices of old, all come together to make Zanzibar something of a classic destination. A rare tri-cultural blend runs deep in the cultural grain of the island with Arabs, Indians and African influences being reflected in the music, cuisine and architecture. Brass-studded, and carved, wooden doors are proof of this handiwork with more than 500 different examples.
Stone town, the capital of Zanzibar, glares with the narrow winding streets, very busy markets and hospitable and friendly inhabitants. Centuries ago, stone town was the only functioning city in East Africa. Present in the town are various prominent historical buildings such as the house of wonders, the palace museum, Dr Livingstones house and the Arab Fort amongst others.
Many players in the Zanzibar tourism industry are Europeans, who are most dominant at the northern and Eastern shores of the Island. This side has several dazzling resorts and lively clubs. Most locally owned businesses are located at the Southeast side especially along the Jambiani beach. This offers variety to those visitors to Zanzibar who need privacy.
With every paradise destination comes accommodation that lives up to its surrounding and Zanzibar is no different with its collection of world class hotels and lodges. Befitting the name paradise is the Ocean paradise beach resort on the picturesque North East Coast overlooking the Indian Ocean. Some 45 minutes drive from Zanzibar Airport the resort will greet you with traditional style chalets in the form of pitched makuti roofs. A stunning waterfall and the largest swimming pool in Zanzibar are just some of the features that make the resort one of the best not to mention the friendly service typical of Zanzibar people in general. Each room is sea facing with large patio doors that open up to a private balcony for you to kick back and absorb some phenomenal peace of mind. They are also air conditioned with mosquito netting and extra luxuries such as satellite TV, mini bar and a unique curved en suite bathroom with shower toilet and bidet.
Breezes beach is an award-winning resort located on a seemingly endless white sandy beach which provides total relaxation in spectacular surroundings. perfect for after a hot and dusty safari, for a honeymoon, or just to enjoy with the family. Each of the rooms is decorated in shades of ivory and stone and all have traditional wood carvings and hand crafted furniture. The restaurants make full use of delicious fresh seafood flavored with the medley of local spices.
Shopping is a must in Zanzibar where you will get variety to choose from to fit in your cultural taste. The bustling busy markets at stone town offers a range of local crafts and artifacts at very friendly prices. Music and cuisine is also readily available at restaurants along Livingstones Forodhani street famed for beautiful gardens. These restaurants are traditionally decorated and play soothing taarab music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Finally, while in Stone Town, check out the late Queen lead singer Freddie Mercurys childhood home on Kenyatta Street. The home is today called the Gallery Zanzibar. It stocks everything from beaded boxes and local paintings, to carvings, exquisite brass-trimmed Zanzibar chests and other antiques.
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