Taarab is a Swahili style of traditional music generally associated with Tanzania and Zanzibar. Coastal Kenya is rocking it today, though. Back in September when I was in Nairobi I had the pleasure of meeting Bado. His real name is Mohammed Said Ngana and he’s from Kilifi County, Malindi District, in the central part of […]
Kenya’s Jabali Africa Performs “Percussion Discussion” and More – Studio 4
Posted August 25th, 2014 at 8:28 pm (UTC-5)
Before I left for Central Africa in May and June, I had the opportunity to invite a local, Washington- area Kenyan band for a music interview here at VOA headquarters. They are called Jabali Africa or The Rock of Africa. Check out this great interview and music, including an amazing instrumental piece aptly titled “Percussion […]
1Beat Brings New African Music to Washington
Posted October 22nd, 2012 at 2:56 pm (UTC-5)
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A trio of musicians from different regions of Africa joined me in VOA’s Studio 4 here in Washington for some good conversation and music. The artists (from left to right) are Nigerian Kayode Kuti on bass and vocals, Kenyan Kato Change (pronounced CHAN-GAY) on guitar, and Mozambican Helio Vanimal on vocals and body percussion. They […]
The Kawere Boys
Posted November 12th, 2008 at 3:53 pm (UTC-5)
Over the last two years- through the thousands of emails, phone calls and letters I have received from listeners throughout Africa- I have gained some insight into the many ways in which the presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama inspired the continent. This enthusiasm blossomed into collective euphoria when, one week ago, Senator Obama was […]
