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Traditional Taarab Music in Zanzibar

A Soulful Sound of the Swahili Coast

Zanzibar, the heart of the Swahili coast, is known not only for its spices, history, and architecture but also for its rich musical traditions. At the center of this cultural identity is Taarab music—a deeply expressive, poetic, and melodic genre that reflects the island’s unique blend of African, Arab, Indian, and Persian influences.

Taarab is more than just music in Zanzibar; it is a cultural language, a form of social commentary, a vehicle of love and lament, and a living symbol of the island’s cosmopolitan past and present.

Origins of Taarab Music

Cultural Crossroads

Taarab music originated in the late 19th century in Zanzibar, particularly under the patronage of Sultan Seyyid Barghash bin Said (r. 1870–1888), who wanted to bring courtly entertainment to rival that of the Arab world. He sent a musician, Mohammed Ibrahim, to Egypt to study classical Arab music. Upon his return, he established Zanzibar’s first Taarab orchestra, and the genre began to flourish.

The word “taarab” itself comes from the Arabic word ṭarab (طرب), meaning "joy" or "musical ecstasy." This reflects the core purpose of the genre—to move listeners emotionally.

Evolution in Zanzibar

Early Development

  • Originally performed in the royal courts, Taarab soon spread to public gatherings, weddings, and community events.

  • The genre became a voice for women, who played a significant role both as performers and as composers, especially in the 20th century.

Key Milestones

  • The rise of Ikhwani Safaa Musical Club (founded in 1905 in Stone Town), one of the oldest surviving Taarab orchestras.

  • The emergence of Bi Kidude, Zanzibar’s most iconic Taarab singer. Known for her powerful voice and rebellious spirit, she became a symbol of female empowerment and Swahili heritage.

  • The introduction of recording technology in the early 20th century helped spread Taarab across the Swahili coast, from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam and beyond.

Instruments Used in Taarab

Traditional Taarab orchestras combine Arab, African, and Indian instruments, producing a rich and layered sound. Some of the core instruments include:

  • Qanun: A stringed instrument of Middle Eastern origin, similar to a zither.

  • Oud: A short-necked lute, producing deep, resonant tones.

  • Violin: A central instrument, often playing lead melodies.

  • Accordion: Introduced later, it adds rhythm and harmony.

  • Tabla or Dumbek: Drums providing the rhythmic backbone.

  • Double bass: Provides the deep rhythm in modern orchestras.

  • Ngoma: African drums used in local variations.

  • Ney or flute: Occasionally used for a breathy, emotional tone.

The orchestration may vary depending on whether the performance is more classical, urban, or localized.

 Lyrics and Themes

Taarab lyrics are often written in classical Swahili and are deeply poetic. Themes range from:

  • Love and heartache: The most common themes, often expressed in veiled metaphors or sharp innuendo.

  • Praise and celebration: Common at weddings and public events.

  • Criticism and satire: Used subtly to address societal or political issues.

  • Spirituality and morality: Reflecting Islamic values and local ethics.

The use of double entendre and clever wordplay is highly valued in Taarab lyrics, making the genre both emotionally expressive and intellectually engaging.

Taarab as a Social Experience

Taarab performances are not just musical events—they are social spectacles.

  • At weddings, guests may respond to lyrics with cheers or even cash gifts for the musicians.

  • Taarab has long provided women a voice, both as performers and as composers, in a space where public expression is otherwise limited.

In this way, Taarab acts as a mirror of Zanzibari society, revealing the tensions, joys, struggles, and hopes of the people.

Modern Taarab: Between Tradition and Pop

In recent decades, Taarab has undergone transformations, giving rise to what is often called “modern” or “pop Taarab.”

Features of Modern Taarab:

  • Faster tempos and synthesized instruments.

  • Emphasis on entertainment and dance.

  • Lyrics that are more direct, sometimes controversial.

  • Often performed by female-led bands.

While some traditionalists criticize these changes, modern Taarab has helped expand the genre’s reach among younger audiences, ensuring its survival in a changing world.

Preservation and Cultural Institutions

Efforts are being made to preserve traditional Taarab:

  • Zanzibar Music and Cultural Institute: Offers education and training in traditional instruments.

  • Festivals: Events like the Sauti za Busara Music Festival and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) frequently include Taarab performances.

  • Cultural clubs: Like DCMA (Dhow Countries Music Academy) in Stone Town, which trains young musicians in traditional genres.

These institutions play a critical role in archiving, promoting, and transmitting the Taarab tradition to future generations.

Conclusion

Taarab music is one of Zanzibar’s most enduring and expressive cultural legacies. Rooted in the island’s cosmopolitan history, Taarab is a celebration of language, identity, and emotion, blending artistic traditions from Africa, Arabia, India, and Persia. It is music that speaks to the heart and mind, and its continued evolution—balancing tradition and innovation—reflects the spirit of Zanzibar itself.

Whether experienced in the shadowed courtyards of Stone Town, at a bustling wedding celebration, or on a modern stage, Taarab remains a timeless soundtrack to Zanzibari life.