Listening to music is one of the most-preferred hobbies of the people of Nairobi. Pop music is one of the hot favorites of the people. In the Nairobi clubs, as well as on the streets of this city, a wide variety of pop songs can be heard. Usually, while walking along the roads of this Kenyan city, Kikuyu, Luhya, Kamba and Luo songs can be heard. Each year, in Nairobi, a huge number of songs are recorded in the regional languages.
Band music is also quite popular among the people of this city. Orchestra Super Mazembe is one such band. Mainly these bands dedicate their performances to the ethnic audience. However, while talking about Nairobi Music, it should be mentioned that many of the musicians has come from other African countries. These artists sing in Swahili language. On the other hand, from the last part of 1960's, Benga style of music dominated the music of Nairobi. It is basically a Luo pop music. Tanzanian rumba music also acquired a huge popularity from the residents of Nairobi. Before 1964, performances of Congolese groups were highly applauded by the Nairobi people.
The Enthralling Music of Nairobi
|
During 1970's Nairobi became the main hub of Central and East African music. Soukous music was considered to be the most-listened music genre of that period.
Gospel music was also popular. This Christian music was basically the fusion of African melodies and European harmonic elements. Nairobi experienced the highest popularity in the field of music during late seventies and early eighties. From this period onwards Europe felt interest in the music of Africa. During this time Virgin records underwent few projects in the city of Nairobi. It recorded 2 LPs with the Tanzanian-Zairean group.
Hip-hop song also acquired great success in this city of Kenya. Some of the most-known artists who adopted this music style were Nameless and Nonini.
Presently, many music programs and festivals take place in Nairobi. Kenyan Music Festival is one of them. It is held annually. This entire Nairobi Music festival can be divided into various sections. They are Western, instrumental music, Oriental vocal, African music and many others. Folk music is one of the most popular sections in this music festival.
|
