Day Six: January 24, 2019 From Mwanza to Dodomo to Nzali to Nairobi Story
…instrument), and the Muhongwa (Wooden water troughs, played on ground like calabash, which was used in last song). The group started their performance with the most extraordinary set of customs – human shakers! We recorded seven performances: Intro, Freestyle recording of their entrance. Masasi: the celebration song after circumcision completed Nindo: Song on social issues Muhene: Song during girl ceremony where she reaches puberty and now must…
Shitakha & Balozi Band Group
…le is Milbo. They use drums and shiriri, but also a Shikhorli which we haven’t seen before. This is a shaker/bell, where two ball bearings of different sizes/tones are welded into metal pouches and then he plays. Moses is considered the best Shikhorli maker in the area. Here’s the band….
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…0 weeks of highlights and memories, East Africa is a treasure trove of musical talent, instruments and styles. The stories that we have heard, through song or interviews, have far exceeded our expectations for the project. What started as a tiny experiment into recording a few groups performing in their villages has grown into something far beyond what we imagined. What we have captured in our videos and audio recordings is extraordinary artistry…
Nyati Muchoya Group
…(Shakers), Mbega (animal Skins), Muheme (drums), Kabati (kayamba-shakers), Manyanga ( Maracas), Madodolo (cow bell), and Pangwa/Kipangwa (a double headed lyre). We recorded four performances, where each of the songs is named after the musical style: Nindo: A medley of songs including chimulombaje, muwalonjere and Nema Uganga, a song against witchcraft Muheme: a song urging all to get up and dance. Muziki: Msunyunsho: both songs showcasing musical…
Day Five: Ilesi, Khayega to Kisumu Story
…ayed: The Shirembe procession, which is a special funeral for a very big local hero, where you might even stage a bullfight on the grave. The songs included: Kutaywa: Literally means a ‘cock’ and is to let you know that this is a great man, who ‘rules the roost’ so to be speak. The singer mourns that a great man is lost and there might be no one to take care of the singer anymore. Mulele Kwiname: This is the name of a tree that is very popular and…
The Return of Bigwala News
…a is a fascinating one, and quite unique in its association with the political history of the country. The gourd and musical style were for hundreds of years an integral part the kingdom of Busoga, and would be played at coronations and other royal ceremonies. When Prime Minister Milton Obote sought to unify the nation in 1966, and in doing so abolished the kingdoms and made illegal the performance of Bigwala, the instrument had to be played in se…
Central and Eastern Kenya: Day 3 – Nkubu to Mariene to Murungurune to Nkubu Story
…s led by Simon Munuki. They are from the Ameru Ethnic Community. Their musical style is Kirarire and Authi. The lead singer wears Murungi, an ornament on both sides of the arms which is worn by the initiator/circumciser; it signifies a man of respect and authority. Their costumes include Lesos, necklaces, face painting, spears, fly whisks, gourds, and head gear, called Nkoroi made out of cow skin, with Monkey hide. The women cover themselves with…
African Strings: The Nyatiti and The Adungu News
…ngo, another fantastic player of the nyatiti. We were reminded of the critical importance of capturing the cultural legacy of East Africa with tribal music when this extraordinary musician, Okumu K’Orengo, died only weeks after our visit. Appropriately, his last recording with us was a funeral song that our team at Ketebul Music felt was the best performance they’d ever heard of it: The Singing Wells team were also lucky enough to enjoy the sound…