Search - Various Artists :: Rough Guide to Music of Kenya & Tanzania

East Africa at it's Best!

Zekeriyah | Chicago, IL | 03/05/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD, part of the Rough Guides series, is an excellent look into the music of Eastern Africa, namely the countries of Kenya and Tanzania. Its also one of the most accessable CDs of east African music available. It starts off with some engaging pop music from the grea Simba Wanyika, and contiues to get dancier and jazzier as the CD progesses. Listening to the first few songs, its easy to draw some parralels between this music, and say, Jazz or Carribean music, as well as certain west African music traditions (juju and afro-beat spring to mind).
Following this, we are treated to "Jacob Omolo", by Ogweng Lelo Okoth and Padddy J. Onono, which, while entirely African, definately has some eastern influences on it. Following this, is another folksy eastern influenced song from the Master Musicians of Tanzania. The next track, somewhat surprisingly, is a traditional Wagogo intiation ritual. I was a little surprised by this track, but it is an excellent example of traditonal Wagogo music,and really does help to highlight to sheer diversity of eastern Africa.
The next two tracks, are some more excellent selections of African pop music, with a somewhat more dancey beat to them than the previous selections. The next track is Zein Musical Party's "Mtindo Wa Mombasa", a dancy Middle-Eastern number, with firey lyrics. Finally, we close out with aother selection of Taraab music, this time Culture Music Club's "Sibadli". Over all, this is an excellent CD, though there is a definate leaning towards pop music over other styles. I myself would have enjoyed more Taraab music, but still, that doesn't change the fact that this is a great CD"

Hidden musical gems

mliu@math.uchicago.edu | Mississauga, Ontario Canada | 09/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The album starts off with some very bright, engaging "pop" music which can sound a little silly but is rather fun to listen to. Some more traditional music also appears and these tracks are also good or at least interesting. Tracks 10 and 11 featuring Mlimani Park Orchestra and Juwata Jazz Band are real gems in my mind. The first is very melodious, well orchestrated and with soothing vocals. The second has similar qualities and although it begins slowly, it ends with a flourish. One can say that these songs are simply musical. They are pure music. Whatever your musical inclinations, give these two songs a few listens."