Will Ross reports from Zanzibar and Mombasa on how traditional Taarab music is responding to the challenge of new influences. In the 1930's the great Taarab singer, Siti Bint Saad, was a prized ...

Along the East African coastal strip, few musical styles can rival the popularity enjoyed by taarab melodies, a genre believed to date back to late 19th century. Among the Swahili communities, live ...

Taarab music has come of age. Gone are the days when lovers of the soulful melodies merely sat back and listened as their favourite songs were played. Today, Taarab fans are packing entertainment ...