Artists

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

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

Safar is an Arabic word which translates as a journey. DCMA Zanzibar's Safar is a group that reflects the diversity of musical styles found in the context of the Dhow Countries. Afrobeat, ngoma, taarab and Arabic music are blended in a special experience without dominating one another. The musicians are read more

Sanaa Taarab was born in 1983, after the then Zanzibar Ballet group stopped its activities. In its early years the group managed to perform by borrowing equipment from Culture Musical Club, with whom they have a long and positive relationship. Currently the group has twenty artists who are employed by read more

During 2005 two young and talented Tanzanian artists Mussa Ramadhan and Juma Ally came up with the idea of forming a traditional dance group as a means of creating self employment. They brought together a group of five men and three women. Playing a variety of ngoma styles mostly from read more

Music lovers everywhere are mourning the loss of legendary musician Makame Faki Makame, who died in Zanzibar, on January 18, 2020, at the age of 77.

Makame Faki needs no introduction, being one of Culture Musical Club's most revered singer-songwriters of Zanzibari taarab music. With his own read more