Rhythms and sounds of magical Kenya
By Srimal Fernando
Kenya is a pluralistic society which comprises nearly forty different ethnic communities, who inhabit this land with their own identities. They speak different languages and demonstrate their feelings in a variety of ways. They are from different cultural backgrounds but live together as one nation. One can find a mixture of various arts and cultural scenarios in the country. Kenyans are a friendly and hospitable people, regardless of ethnic differences. Greetings are an important part of social and business interaction. Kenyans also place great importance on family. Traditional family values are seen everywhere in this multicultural environment. In all festival planning a feeling of family is sensed in the preparation of food, decoration and entertainment programmes. The country’s diet comprises different types of foods. The breaking of bread together is an old human tradition. The traditional meals includes ugali, rice, bread, chapatti or Indian bread, beef, chicken, mutton, tilapia fish and an assortment of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Flavours, textures and aromas create a multicultural dining adventure. The diet also includes tea. In fact, in Kenya, anytime is tea time. Most celebrations will find a blending of traditional and modern entertainment.The country is not just admired for its beauty but it is also known for its amazing dances and music. The country's music and dance reflects the country's rich and varied culture. The Kenyan culture and life is closely interwoven with rhythm and dance. The rhythm is sometimes dominated by voice with soloist driving the rhythm of the dance. Second to the voice is the sound of the beating drums. The music and dances in Kenya are categorized into folk, traditional and international or modern forms. When it comes to traditional dance and music the country has so much to offer.
Out of all the African countries, Kenya has perhaps one of the most diverse collections of popular music forms. In addition the country has multiple types of folk music based on variety of over forty regional languages. Their influence on Kenyan music was considerable. Much of popular Kenyan music derives its central rhythms and guitar lines from Congolese pop.
There is pure, unbridled joy to watch the native Kenyan join in singing and dancing in their distinctive ways as the music builds up. Today music is pulling in new audiences and a number of home-grown productions, particularly those aimed at the popular market, have taken the country and, in some cases, the world, by storm. Kenyan Independence saw a wave of change in the countries music. In Kenya, each province has its own variation of popular folk music.
Popular music evolved as a result of the influence of South African Jazz, Zimbabwean guitar music and the Congolese pop. A traditional music known as Benga, music was born as a result. Thus, each of the different regional Bengas, has its own distinctive flavor. Meanwhile the growth and influence of Christianity popularized the genre of music called gospel music in the country. Throughout 1970’s and 80’s Nairobi became a popular crossroads for African musicians, and many Zairean rumba bands either made Kenya their home or a frequent stopover concert venue.
Many of the nomadic tribes of Kenya share some common grounds in the use of songs and chants, particularly among Maa speaking tribes. Maa songs play a large role in ceremonial life. One of the best known Maa-sai ceremonial songs is the Engila-kinoto, 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. The Samburu are related to the Maasai, and like Massai they, use no instruments except simple pipes and a kind of guitar. There are also erotic songs sung by women praying for rain.
The Kamba people of Kenya live to the south and east of capitol Nairobi. The Kamba and Chuka people have distinctive drumming styles. The Kamba people are also well known for their athletic acrobatic dancing. Their pop music is closely related to Benga, but includes a second guitar that plays a melodious counter point to the primary guitar. One of the most dynamic and popular music of the country are performed by Akamba people. Their music is divided into several groups based on the age. Kilumi is a dance form mainly for elderly men and women. Mbeni dance is for young. Kikuyu pop is exotic to the region; this was originated from the biggest ethnic group of the country known as Kikuyu. They use an enormous lute-like instrument called Obo-kano. A popular folk music known as Taarab are performed by large number of musicians and use Arabic instruments such as the Oud, combined with violins. Modern Taarab continues to evolve, and is adopting some rhythms from Hindi film music. However Taarab music remains core of very rhythmic, poetic Swahili lyrics. In Kenya the remote Turkana people have maintained their ancient traditions. This includes a call and response music, which is almost entirely vocal. A horn made from an antelope is also used. The Gusii people have perhaps the most distinctive form of folk music in the country.
The countries dance types are distinct from the others because of the diversity of its indigenous people, nomadic tribes and groups who practice these dances. The traditional Kenyan dance serves different purposes. Each purpose demands a different dance style. The people of the country have enjoyed their own forms of song and dance for centuries. Dances of the country are versatile and many dance forms are practiced in different parts of the country. In Kenyan dance, men usually jump and leap while women dancers perform crooked knee positions and bent body postures. In the country many dances are performed by ordinary people rather than professional dancers. Both ethnic and modern dances are featured in the dance festivals. The countries dances symbolize social structure and traditional values of the people related to it. The warrior dance, dances of love, dance of rites of passage and coming of age, welcome dance and dance of possession and summoning are many dance forms of Kenya .The dance types in the country comprises traditional and contemporary forms. Traditional dance would include classical ballet, traditional and Indian dances. The contemporary dances include modern jazz, lyrical jazz and hip hop. The movements and passionate rhythms of Kenyan dance and music is an appropriate symbol indeed for the independent country with a proud history. The music and dance of the country are extremely colorful and are a source of entertainment and enjoyment for the people of the country.
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