Routledge Taarab Music in Zanzibar - SOAS Studies in Music

Explore the rich musical heritage of the Swahili Coast with Taarab Music in Zanzibar in the Twentieth Century. This scholarly work by Janet Topp Fargion examines the development of taarab, a genre central to weddings and festive occasions throughout East Africa. As a unique form of Indian Ocean music, taarab blends influences from Egypt, India, the Arabian Peninsula, and the West with local musical traditions. This book traces the evolution of the genre in Zanzibar from the late nineteenth century through to the end of the twentieth century. It provides a detailed look at how these diverse cultural elements merged to create a distinct sound. A significant focus of the study is the role of women within the genre. While men traditionally hold the primary roles in composition and performance, the text explores the broader social dynamics and contributions that shaped this musical history. This title is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in ethnomusicology and the cultural history of the Indian Ocean region.