Tanzania: Music
Gunnar Solberg
Hjelmgren Period 1
5/21/2009
Music in Tanzania
Tanzanian Music is very diverse and has been influenced by many different cultures. There are numerous famous bands and even radio shows that have guest stars of the most famous bands in the country. There is a wide range of popular genre’s creating a large music network. Their music has symbolism and meaning, and their music festivals draw people from all around East Africa. The music in Tanzania has been bringing many people together and is communicating positive messages.
Much of Tanzania’s music has brought neighboring countries and the countries that use nearby trade routes together in a peaceful manner. The origins of Tanzanian music have been influenced by peoples all around Tanzania, from the center of Africa to the coastal regions and trade routes. In the trade route areas the music has been largely influenced by the Arabic and Indonesian cultures (Nat Geo). The coastal areas have similar styles of singing and similar instruments; these include the Swahili udi, a lute-like instrument, and the Arabic ‘ud. These similarities help to make the ties between Tanzania and Arabic and Indonesian cultures by making similarities. These similarities make the countries alike. When trading, music is an easy way to connect with people this helps commerce. Music is also very diverse and that helps with tourism because diverse music makes for people wanting to hear and see this music being performed. The different types of music include Gospel, Bendi, Reggae, and Bongo Flava.
Tanzanian music is bringing positive messages to people and helping the community. There is a radio show called Wahapahapa. It is a weekly drama in which the main characters are musicians in a band called the “Homeboys.” The focal point of the show is music and every week they have a famous or upcoming musical guest on the show (Wahapahapa). On the show they explore the impact of HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) on young people. This show uses popular music and drama to teach people about HIV/AIDS. This show is one of the most popular radio shows in Tanzania. Its large spread audience makes it effect lives all throughout Tanzania.
Music is a positive influence on the people of Tanzania because it brings people together and educates them on important topics such as HIV/AIDS. This is important because when people aren’t friendly they become conflicted and conflict is never good. Also people need to be educated and a musical radio drama catches people’s attention and by listening to it they are being told of the hardships made by HIV/AIDS. This education helps to make people try to be safer when it comes to HIV/AIDS.
Hjelmgren Period 1
5/21/2009
Music in Tanzania
Tanzanian Music is very diverse and has been influenced by many different cultures. There are numerous famous bands and even radio shows that have guest stars of the most famous bands in the country. There is a wide range of popular genre’s creating a large music network. Their music has symbolism and meaning, and their music festivals draw people from all around East Africa. The music in Tanzania has been bringing many people together and is communicating positive messages.
Much of Tanzania’s music has brought neighboring countries and the countries that use nearby trade routes together in a peaceful manner. The origins of Tanzanian music have been influenced by peoples all around Tanzania, from the center of Africa to the coastal regions and trade routes. In the trade route areas the music has been largely influenced by the Arabic and Indonesian cultures (Nat Geo). The coastal areas have similar styles of singing and similar instruments; these include the Swahili udi, a lute-like instrument, and the Arabic ‘ud. These similarities help to make the ties between Tanzania and Arabic and Indonesian cultures by making similarities. These similarities make the countries alike. When trading, music is an easy way to connect with people this helps commerce. Music is also very diverse and that helps with tourism because diverse music makes for people wanting to hear and see this music being performed. The different types of music include Gospel, Bendi, Reggae, and Bongo Flava.
Tanzanian music is bringing positive messages to people and helping the community. There is a radio show called Wahapahapa. It is a weekly drama in which the main characters are musicians in a band called the “Homeboys.” The focal point of the show is music and every week they have a famous or upcoming musical guest on the show (Wahapahapa). On the show they explore the impact of HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) on young people. This show uses popular music and drama to teach people about HIV/AIDS. This show is one of the most popular radio shows in Tanzania. Its large spread audience makes it effect lives all throughout Tanzania.
Music is a positive influence on the people of Tanzania because it brings people together and educates them on important topics such as HIV/AIDS. This is important because when people aren’t friendly they become conflicted and conflict is never good. Also people need to be educated and a musical radio drama catches people’s attention and by listening to it they are being told of the hardships made by HIV/AIDS. This education helps to make people try to be safer when it comes to HIV/AIDS.
Tanzanian Music Bibliography
"Bongo Flava." Nationalgeographic.com. 1996. May 2009 <http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/bongo_flava_23572>.
The Tanzanian Rap band "Bongo Flava" and its origins. Tanzanian Rap origins.
"Tanzania Music and Cultural Performances." www.tanserve.com. 2008. TANServe. May 2009 <http://www.tanserve.com/culture/>.
Tanzanian music was influenced by Arab cultures. This happened along coastal areas.
Wahapahapa, Fuatilia, and Kila Jumatatu. Wahapahapa. <http://wahapahapa.com>.
Wahapahapa is a weekly radio serial drama.
"Zanzibar's Sauti Za Basura 2009 Takes Region by Storm." Elibrary.com. Ed. All Africa. 2009. 1 May 2009 <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>.
Talked about the Sauti Za Basura music festival. Also told about the big bands in Tanzania
Last updated by Gunnar Solberg 5/21/2009
"Bongo Flava." Nationalgeographic.com. 1996. May 2009 <http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/artist/content.artist/bongo_flava_23572>.
The Tanzanian Rap band "Bongo Flava" and its origins. Tanzanian Rap origins.
"Tanzania Music and Cultural Performances." www.tanserve.com. 2008. TANServe. May 2009 <http://www.tanserve.com/culture/>.
Tanzanian music was influenced by Arab cultures. This happened along coastal areas.
Wahapahapa, Fuatilia, and Kila Jumatatu. Wahapahapa. <http://wahapahapa.com>.
Wahapahapa is a weekly radio serial drama.
"Zanzibar's Sauti Za Basura 2009 Takes Region by Storm." Elibrary.com. Ed. All Africa. 2009. 1 May 2009 <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>.
Talked about the Sauti Za Basura music festival. Also told about the big bands in Tanzania
Last updated by Gunnar Solberg 5/21/2009
