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MUSIC OF KENYA

from Smithsonian Folkways and Ketebul Music, a compilation by Alisa Hough

- Many Kenyan musicians have developed a distinct style of guitar-playing, as musicians have transposed techniques and patterns from native stringed instruments.

- The 1960s saw a shift in Kenya’s music from traditional to popular styles which included the use of electric guitars and the praising of popular political figures.

- Benga is a popular musical genre that grew out of the Nyanza Province

- The Kikuyu people are the largest ethnic community in Kenya, making up approximately one-quarter of the population. Their music incorporates influences and themes reflecting the change that impacted Kenya throughout the twentieth century and continues today.

- Taarab, meaning “having joy with music” in Arabic, is a popular genre in Kenya and Tanzania that illustrates influence from the Middle East, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond.

- Gargar, consisting of Somali women based in the northeastern city Garissa, strives to preserve traditional culture and empower women through music as well as by making woven mats, baskets, and other crafts.

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The instruments that created the traditional music of Kenya that we think of when we think of the tribal sounds vary widely. One of the most commonly heard was the Ndema which is two brass rings that are played in ringing and muted tones. These are the bell like sounds that can be heard in most traditional styles. Another one of the instruments, and perhaps most important, is the nyatti. The Nyatti is a combination instrument used as a bass, drum and rhythm guitar in one. The Orutu is another important instrument that takes shape as an African fiddle, played with one string and bow, the notes vary based on pressure applied to the sting with the fingers. When it comes to the percussion tones we hear we can find the Nyangile. The word Nyangile literally means the “box” and is exactly what it is. It is a box with a ring that is played and used to sound like a bass (Kenya’s Amazing 2019).

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Blinky Bill - Showdown (Official Video) ft. MVROE, Kiwango

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Blinky Bill is known as the trailblazer of the Kenyan urban scene. The hero of Kenyan underground music talked about how he gets inspiration for his music through all genres of music. He wants to be able to break down the cultural expectations of African music and let different styles influence his new style of music. While he wants to allow new influence from around the country he also wants to keep the feel of traditional African music. He mentions that, “There’s something that’s so rich about African music and African culture that it’s not something that I would want to erase from my music, and I expect something of the African vibe will still be in there whether I intend it to be or not. And I have no objections if Kenya claims me as its own!” When you listen to Blinky’s music you cannot help but start to nod along with the beat. The music has a heavy influence with the traditional under beats of African drums mixed with modern electronic music. The timbre of his music is a little slower and mellower than traditional African music with syncretistic influence from American hip hop (Eng, 2016).

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Music and Dance, retrieved from: http://old.magicalkenya.com/default.nsf/info1/musicanddance
Eng, Karen Frances. “Kenyan Musician Blinky Bill Makes Music for Everyone.” Medium. TED Fellows, December 8, 2016. https://fellowsblog.ted.com/kenyan-musician-blinky-bill-makes-music-for-everyone-6adcc7d5ea46.
“Kenya's Amazing Musical Instruments.” Singing Wells. Accessed October 13, 2019. https://www.singingwells.org/kenyas-amazing-musical-instruments/.

Music of Kenya from Smithsonian Folkways and Ketebul Music (compilation by Alisa Hough), retrieved from: https://festival.si.edu/2014/kenya/music-playlist/smithsonian

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Here is what Kenyan Tourist Board has to say about Kenyan music, “Kenyan music originated from several sources. The nomadic tribes share some common grounds in the use of songs and chants, particularly with the Maa speaking groups. Maa song has always played a large role in ceremonial life, and continues to. One of the best known Maasai ceremonial songs is the Engilakinoto, sung after a victorious lion hunt. 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”