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V/A Zanzibara : First Modern, Taarab Vibes From Mombasa & Tanga, 1970-1990

Label / Buda Musique
Category / African, Taarab
Code / 260317

Amazing compilation of 'modern' Taarab music from Kenya and Tanzania, appearing in coastal cities of Mombasa and Tanga in the early 70's -mostly under Swahili cultural domination before enlargign its audience. This coastal sound was a musical crossroad influenced by music from Central Africa, Maghreb, Egypt and Indian Ocean as well, plus local styles. From the 70's the 'modern' style was replacing traditional strings by keyboards, violins or clarinets, guitars or like Zuhura orchestra an electrified tashkota (originally an Asian string instrument) ! and was spread with cassttes rather than records.