Artists

Nassor Amour Abdallah aka Cholo Ganun the founder of Rahat Zamaan Taarab Orchestra is renowned for his exceptional talent; he is the youngest professional ganun player in East Africa. In Sweden during 2003, Cholo Ganun won Best World Musician Award; of a hundred contestants, he was one of only read more

Taarab music has defined Zanzibar's aural landscape for over a century, renowned for its lush mix of Arabic and western instruments, diva-worthy vocalizations, and allusive Swahili lyrics. The venerable and syncretic form is ambitiously renewed by Rajab Suleiman & Kithara. This lean and nimble group has uncovered the form's read more

Ribab Fusion are considered major ambassadors of the Amazigh culture. The band celebrates Morocco’s Amazigh (colonialists used to say Berber) culture as it flies from ‘70s-style funk to Afropop dance vibes, from slow jams to high energy call-and-response choruses.

 The ribab is a traditional instrument that used to read more

Richie Lumambo is a guitarist, singer, songwriter from Tanzania with soaring vocals and his own unique guitar style. His music is inspired by Tanzanian traditional music styles as well as Western soul grooves.

His band brings together youthful musicians to successfully showcase talents of his new generation. A powerful East African read more

Born Patrick Enos Lukhachi Nanjero, in Nairobi on 8 October 1980, Ricky is a bassist, arranger and a bass instructor. He comes from a family of eight with four brothers and three sisters. A few years ago Ricky began his solo career by forming a five-piece band called the Marafiki, read more

Rashid Amin Abdallah aka Rico Single was born in Kikuu village, on Pemba island. He started music at primary school, as part of the school’s traditional dance group.

In 2001 together with friends, Rico Single created Swahili Arts Group which had more than 40 young members, performing traditional dances, read more