Below is a selection of music loops taken from our field recordings across East Africa. These recordings feature just a small selection of the artists we have recorded over the last decade and we are very excited to see how other musicians can use and be inspired by this incredible music. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Global Influences Project, you can download the project brief here or head back to the main page for more information.
If you want to independently release your music for sale or streaming using these samples, please get in touch with us so that we can grant you a license.
Loops By Tempo/BPM
Adungu Cultural Troupe – 111BPM
The Adungu Cultural troupe are based in Kampala, Uganda and the main focus of their music is (you guessed it) the Adungu. You can find out more about the band here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.
Download the loop
Aloka Ohangla Drum Solo – 146BPM
Aloka Ohangla are based in East Alego, Kenya. What you need to know as you listen is the drummer was drumming without a chair, doing deep squats and jumping about a foot off the ground with each ‘kick’ – this went on for four minutes. You can learn more about the group here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.
Download the loop
Rubanga Kingdom Awach Boys – 127BPM
The Rubanga Kingdom Awach Boys are from Awach in Northern Uganda. They formed thirty years ago and their goal is ‘Edu-Tainment’, helping African children learn key life lessons through song. You can find out more about the band here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.
Download the loop
Watmon Cultural Group – 154BPM
Watmon Cultural Group are based in Kampala, Uganda. They are a collective of musicians led by Amone Watmon Matthew, who promote the preservation of Ugandan cultural heritage through dance. The group is made up of up to 50 members, the youngest members being only seven years old. You can learn more about the group here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.
Download the loop
Otacho Young Stars Shoe Shine Box – 143BPM
The Otacho Young Stars are based in Rongo, Nyanza Province, Kenya. We recorded them on our field trip in late 2011, capturing the music of the Luo people. The percussion in this group is particularly impressive, with ongeng’o rings used both by themselves, and also together with the Nyangile, a wooden box topped with two of the rings, one of which is held with the feet, and beaten with a stick. You can find out more about the band here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.
Download the loop
Nyatiti Group – 158BPM
Another wonderful Nyatiti group led by Okumu Korengo who is considered one of the best players around. Okumu Korengo also played all instruments, accompanied by dancers and back up vocals. You can learn more about the group here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.
Download the loop
Kidinda Cultural Group – 158BPM
The group are from Kidinda, Uganda. They play music in the Kidinda style using the Amadinda, a 22 slab xylophone which was historically an instrument which could only be played in front of the King. You can find out more about the band here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.
Download the loop
Joginda Boys – 116BPM
Joginda boys are from Aluny Village, East Alego, Kenya. This play wonderful Nyatiti music, with Organda Joginda at the heart, playing ‘bass’ with the Nyatiti and percussion with his leg ‘snares’ and the kick drum with his big toe (with a metal ring on it) banging on the bottom of the Nyatiti. The rest of the band added claps, dancing and wonderful backing vocals. You can learn more about the group here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.
Download the loop
Hiari Ya Moyo – 121BPM
Hiari Ya Moyo was formed in 1957 by their grandfathers and is located in Dodoma. They are from the Wanyamwezi Community and performed in the Ngoma Style. Their instruments include: Ngoma (drums) and Njuga (bells). You can find out more about the band here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.
Download the loop
Ekhunjwe Musical Group – 153BPM
Ekhunjwe ya Abasamia was formed in April 2008 with common focus on using music as a tool for community development. The group promotes traditional African values and acts in both education and local economy. Members also engage in traditional crafts like basket weaving and jewellery making for exhibition and sale. You can learn more about the group here.
You can watch the full visual performance of this song on our Youtube channel by clicking here.