Structured around a deep rhythmic chant it is accompanied
by a spectacular dance in which warriors display their strength
and prowess by leaping directly and vertically into the air.
Elsewhere, the use of drums became widespread and central to elaborate
traditional dances. The word Ngoma (drum) is still used to describe
most forms of traditional music and dance.
A variety of drums were used throughout the country. The Luhya
of Western Kenya developed a very distinctive dance style called
Sikuti after the local name for a drum. This extremely energetic
dance is usually performed by paired male and female dancers,
and accompanied by several drums, bells, long horns and whistles.
The Kamba and Chuka people both developed a distinctive drumming
style, in which a long drum is leant forward and clasped between
the thighs. The Kamba were well known for their athletic, almost
acrobatic dancing.
Other instruments were developed, including reed flutes and basic
stringed instruments. One of the finer of these was the Nyatiti,
similar to the medieval lyre. The Nyatiti is commonly played throughout
Kenya's West. It has a gentle, relaxing sound, and is usually
played solo with a single singer, and sometimes accompanied by
light percussion or bells.
Ayub Ogada is a modern master Nyatiti player from Kenya, who
has become internationally famous. His first album En Maana Kuoyo
is an excellent introduction to the sound of the Nyatiti.
Coastal Music
On the coast, the growth of Swahili culture saw the growth of
a unique style of music, called Taarab. Combining elements of
African percussion with Arabic rhythms, Taarab become a popular
form of music that remains a coastal favourite today.
Traditional Taarab music used large numbers of musicians and
Arab instruments such as the Oud, combined with violins and several
vocalists.
Modern Taarab continues to evolve, and is adopting some rhythms
and grooves from Hindi film music and bhangra. But at the heart
of Taarab remains a core of very rhythmic, poetic Swahili lyrics.
One of the better known Kenyan exponents is Juma Balo.
Inland, the colonial period gave rise to Beni singing, a group
folk song that contained strong elements of social commentary
and political criticism. Beni songs were always very long and
were sung in the form of a narrative story.
Modern Music
The 1960's saw the arrival of both Independence and the electric
guitar, and the birth of modern Kenyan popular music. There were
two definite influences: From the South, South African Jazz and
Zimbabwean 'highlife' guitar work, and much more significantly,
from the West, the distinctive rumba rhythm of Congolese pop.
A hybridized form of music evolved- widely known as Benga, is
usually rather tribally targeted. Singers sung in their own tribal
language, resulting in strong ethnic followings.
Many of these artists remain popular today, such as Luo musician
DO Misiani , Luhya legend Daudi Kibaka and venerated Kikuyu singer
Kamaru.
The rise of Christianity greatly increased the popularity of gospel
music in general and choral music in particular.
Throughout the 1970's and 80's Nairobi became a popular crossroads
for African musicians, and many Zairean rumba bands either made
Kenya their home or a frequent stopover concert venue.
Their influence on Kenyan music was considerable, and much of
popular Kenyan music derives its central rhythms and guitar lines
from Congolese pop. Even today Lingala and Congolese music is
extremely popular throughout Kenya.
There was some influence from the coast, using more Swahili and
Asian based styles, resulting in a short lived wave of Kenyan
pop, spearheaded by Them Mushrooms from Mombasa.
New Wave
The 90's and the 21st Century have seen a great deal more Western
influence, and the adoption of reggae, rap, rhythm and blues and
swing into Kenyan music.
A new wave of popular musicians is creating a form of Kenyan
music which fuses traditional elements with the many external
influences to produce something new and very interesting.
Two young Kenyan musicians, Joseph Ogidi and Jahd Adonijah began
performing and recording their own compositions in 1999. They
called themselves Gidi Gidi Maji Maji, and had a surprise runaway
hit with 'Ting Badi Malo' an infectious pop song built around
a blend of Swahili and Sheng rap.
One of Kenya's most inspiring stories is that of Mighty King
Kong, an Afro-reggae singer from Western Kenya. Born in Siaya
District, he was afflicted with polio at a young age, badly withering
one of his legs.
When his father died, his family moved to Kisumu, where he ran
away from home.
He lived for 6 years on the streets of Kisumu, during which time
he made money by busking. His singing and dancing earned him local
fame, and his new name 'The Mighty King Kong'. Eventually he made
his way to Mombasa, where he began to get work as a DJ in several
nightclubs, before finally taking to the stage with his own act
performing reggae in Luo, Swahili and English.
He was an immediate hit with crowds in the clubs, and was soon
playing to packed houses across the country. His first album Ladies
Choice sold well throughout Kenya. He has recently released a
follow up album Cinderella, an appropriate title given his own
real-life rags to riches story.
From a very different background is Eric Wainaina, a young classically
trained musician. His musical style is a blend of very African
guitar riffs with a commercial Western feel. His first album,
Sawa Sawa was a hit, mainly through the success of the single
Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo, a satirical political song with a highly
danceable melody.
Rap has become increasingly popular among young Kenyans, and
there are several Kenya based rap acts. While the sounds of groups
like Kalamashaka or Necessary Noize
are virtually indistinguishable from US based rappers, the lyrics
are most definitely Kenyan and have much to say about life in
modern Kenya. One of the more popular Kenyan rappers is Poxie
Presha, whose well cut album Total Ballaa was a massive hit.
Ragga has also become popular, with blends of Afro-reggae and
rap. One of the better known Kenyan Ragga artists is Nazizi the
female vocalist from rap group Necessary Noize also known for
her solo ragga work.
As the current trend for fusion of world and western styles grows,
many Kenyan artists are exploring this new realm of musical possibility.
One of the most popular up and coming artists is Mercy Myra who
combines traditional and modern, African and Western styles.
The arrival of better and more easily accessible instrumentation
and recording facilities is continuing to strengthen and diversify
the Kenyan music scene.
As music in Kenya continues to grow and evolve, and opportunities
for young talented Kenyans increase, the future sounds great.
