Both Tanzanian and Maasai by tribe, Carola Kinasha was born as one of 8 children, in Longido, a remote village near the Kenyan border. Her father played accordion, her brothers played piano, organ and guitar, and her mother still sings in the village choir. Village life in Longido didn't mean isolation from outside musical influences. While away at school or travelling, Carola's older siblings would bring home music from other worlds. Her late brother Esto brought home country music, gospel and calypso; Abedi soul and classical, Oculi Tanzanian and Congolese music while her sister Juddy brought home South African music. At the same time Carola would attend every traditional ceremony within walking distance of her home, where she could hear Maasai warriors and girls singing and dancing. It is little wonder that Carola is now recognised as one of the pioneers of traditional fusion music in Tanzania. "We need to be innovative and devise means to come up with our own Tanzanian musical identity", says Carola. "We cannot rely on aping while we have a treasure of traditional sounds that can be a source of a strong Tanzanian musical identity." Carola's band "Shada" began in the late 80s with the aim of creating an authentic Tanzanian sound. Maono, meaning vision in Kiswahili, is their second album. The music crosses cultural boundaries, from Tanzania to the Congo, a unique blend of the traditional with the present, proudly Tanzanian and forever Maasai.
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