Local Music
You bring home photos, spices… and a tune or two you can't get out of your head. In Zanzibar, music carries the island's history, shaped by Africa, the Arab world, India and Europe. To keep it alive, we regularly invite local artists onto the hotel stage.
-
Music in Zanzibar
A little history
Taarab is the great music of the Swahili coast. It all began in the late 19th century, when Sultan Barghash brought musicians over from Egypt to play at his court. Taarab soon took on the island's own accent: Swahili lyrics, African rhythms, and touches of India and Europe.
Tune in
Oud, a lute · Qanun, a zither laid across the lap · Violins · Percussion
Today, taarab livens up weddings and street parties. It's also taught at the Dhow Countries Music Academy in Stone Town.
-
-
On our stage
Handing the mic to local talent
Every evening, island artists take turns, from happy hour on the Upepo bar deck to dinner at Fukwe restaurant, and sometimes later into the night. Some draw on the sounds of taarab, others on more international influences.
On the line-up
Live bands · Singers · DJs
Two highlights each week: the Sauti Africa Show (sauti means "sound" in Swahili), which blends traditional and contemporary African songs, and a performance by Maasai artists.
-
Bienvenue
à destination(s)
-
Who we are
-
The team
-
Media
-
FAQ
-
Shall we discuss?
-
Where are we?
Our hotels in Mauritius
Zanzibar
