How the Swahili influenced music, art and culture

Mwanate Kibwana of Lelele Africa Taarab Group. [File, Standard]

Nyota Ndogo, born Mwanaisha Abdalla, is one of the biggest proponents of Taarab-influenced pop music.

The late Andrew 'Madebe' Burchell, who discovered Nyota, was quoted saying, "The special thing about Taarab music is its lyrics, the melody and the lyrics it's the mashairi, the poetry, it's the poetry."

Before Nyota, Andrew, who died in November of 2017 from motor neuron disease, had discovered the Queen of Taarab music Malkia Rukia, one of Kenya's best-known Taarab musicians.

According to a study on the oral poetry titled Taarab and Swahili Prose by Flavia Aiello Traore, Taarab is 'Songs to blame, songs to praise, songs to self-defence.'

Besides music, there is art, another form of self-expression that the Swahili have mastered through the beautiful creations plastered on hands and feet named Henna (pronounced as Hina).

Traditionally a reserve of older Swahili women to mark auspicious occasions like weddings, Islamic ceremonies and pilgrimages, the art has extended into a need basis with artists serving a clientele that visit the Kenyan coastal towns that extend from Lunga Lunga to Kiunga.

Another import that was heavily influenced by Arabs who made the coast home, Henna is simply a dye made from dried and crushed plants, whose powder is mixed to make a paste that is then intricately applied on the skin.

Swahili Biriyani