MUSIC (Swahili): AT Sings Sijazoea in a Lovely Setting

AT's Sijazoea is a lovely Swahili song, from Zanzibar, sung in a rich cultural setting that's second to none. It's an amazing production in the broad genre of Taarab. Connoisseurs, spearheaded by AT himself, would argue, however, that Sijazoea properly belongs in the Mduara class of music.

READ (in Swahili): AT: Sijaona Wakushindana Naye Katika Mduara

If that is so, then, I think that, at the very least, Mduara is an advanced sub-set of Taarab. But whatever the case, Sijazoea is for me simply one of the best popular African hits of 2015.

Here, y'all, the Sijazoea video. 


And do have a lovely holiday season too, which is upon us:

TAARAB MUSIC: Le Grand Utalii Band's Riziki Haina Mwenyewe

Taarab is African music unique to the East African coasts of Tanzania and Kenya, and to the nearby islands -- particularly Zanzibar and Pemba, and even Lamu.

I just wanted to share with you this LeGUB production titled (in Swahili) Riziki Haina Mwenyewe -- roughly translated, I think with a naughty wink or tongue in cheek -- or tongue jutting right out of the corner of the sayer's mouth -- as "Livelihood Has No Owner".

Riziki Haina Mwenyewe is an extended fare (all of 9:45 minutes), published on April 9, 2015, and with 2,408 views so far. It's served by wholesomely endowed divas in colorful costumes that freely and gracefully billow in wind, and whom few have ever heard of. Till now, I suppose. The loss has surely been theirs -- those who have never heard it. Till now. But no more.

The band, too, you will notice, gives the song an abundance of soul. The sum effect of everyone's effort is a wholly enriching experience.