Taarab is a kind of East African music, most popular in Tanzania and Kenya. It is descended from Islamic roots and uses instruments from all the cultures with a historical presence in East Africa, including East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East and Europe.
Egyptian bands, like the Ikhwani Safaa Musical Club, played a strong role in the evolution of taarab in the early 20th century. Popular sucess began in 1928 with the rise of the genre's first star, Siti bint Saad.
It is influenced by music from the cultures with a historical presence in East Africa, including music from East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Taarab rose to prominence in 1928 with the rise of the genre's first star, Siti binti Saad.
According to local legend, taarab was started by Sultan Seyyid Barghash bin Said (1870-1888); he liked luxury and the pleasures of life.
Taarab is played by a string using Egyptian, Indian, salsa and soukous.
Taarab is a popular genre descended from Islamic roots, using instruments from Africa (percussion), Europe (guitar), Arab Middle East (oud and qanum and East Asia (taishokoto).
Taarab is often said to have an Egyptian origin, due to the long-term popular of the Ikhwani Safaa Musical Club.
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