Music in
Tanzania
A BRIEF HISTORY
The Dawn of Man
Humans have been living in Tanzania since the dawn of man. Within the Great Rift, close to Ngorongoro Crater, are several significant paleoanthropological sites containing the earliest evidence of the existence of our human ancestors. At the site of Laetoli, there are footprints that date back 3.7 million years! Within Olduvai Gorge, he bones of our first bipedal ancestors where discovered by Mary and Louis Leakey and have proven invaluable in furthering our understanding of early human evolution.
Olduvai Gorge
The recent single origin of modern humans in East Africa is the near-consensus position held within the scientific community.[6][7][8][9][10] The African origin of modern humans is the mainstream model that describes the origin and early dispersal of anatomically modern humans. The theory, that all humans share a single origin was first published in Charles Darwin's Descent of Man (1871). The concept was speculative until the 1980s, when it was corroborated by a study of present-day mitochondrial DNA, combined with evidence based on physical anthropology of archaic specimens. According to genetic and fossil evidence, archaic Homo sapiens evolved to anatomically modern humans solely in Africa, between 200,000 and 100,000 years ago, with members of one branch leaving Africa by 60,000 years ago and over time replacing earlier human populations such as Neanderthals and Homo erectus.
Out of Africa
Dawn of Music
It is within these early lineages of humans that music was invented and evolved to become a fundamental constituent of human life. [1][2] Some scientists estimate that the human voice may have gained its full vocal range at least 530,000 years ago, suggesting species of extinct human - including Neanderthals - had the potential to sing. Father of evolutionary biology, Charles Darwin, was one of the first to propose that song was used to attract mates and warn off rivals, as analogous to bird song. Whatever, the insipient reason for its birth, music has been in Africa since the dawn of man and likely even before! The history of music’s progression in the populations that migrated out of Africa can be read here.
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African traditional music is frequently functional in nature. Performances may be long and often involve the participation of the audience.[9] There are, for example, little different kinds of work songs, songs accompanying childbirth, marriage,
hunting and political activities, music to ward off evil spirits and to pay respects to good spirits, the dead and the ancestors. None of this is performed outside its intended social context and much of it is associated with a particular dance. Some of it, performed by professional musicians, is sacral music or ceremonial and courtly music performed at royal courts.
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Common Themes
Regional Distinction
Within Africa, ethnomusicaologists, Alan P. Merriam divided Africa into seven regions for ethnomusicological purposes, observing current political frontiers (see map), and this article follows this division as far as possible in surveying the music of ethnic groups in Africa.
The ethnomusicological pioneer Arthur Morris Jones (1889–1980) observed that the shared rhythmic principles of Sub-Saharan African music traditions constitute one main system.[7] Similarly, master drummer and scholar C. K. Ladzekpo affirms the "profound homogeneity" of sub-Saharan African rhythmic principles.[8]
You can read more about the different ethnic regions of the origins of African music here.
Unique Rythems
The playing of polyrhythms is one of the most universal characteristics of Sub-Sarahan music, in contrast to polyphony in Western music. Several uniquely designed instruments have evolved there over time to facilitate the playing of simultaneous contrasting rhythms. The mbira, kalimba, Kora and dousn'gouni are examples of these instruments which organize notes not in the usual single linear order from bass to treble, but in two separated rank arrays which allows additional ease in playing cross rhythms. The continuing influence of this principle can be seen in the 20th century American instruments the gravi-kora and gravikord which are new modern examples.
Within Tanzania observance of the over 130 ethnic tribes meter, or time signature is a measure of duration. According to writer Damas Kristandus Mpepo, "Most of the ethnic groups’ melodies are in compound duple meter, which comprises of six quaver beats in a bar, also can be identified as a two dotted crotchet-beats in a bar meter. You can read more about the distinct meter here.
African Influence
A singing technique called "call and response" is evident in African vocal music. In "call and response" a person leads by singing a phrase which is then answered by a group of singers. This technique is still very much used in today's music, for example in gospel music. In his book, "Black Music of Two Worlds,'' John Storm Roberts points out general characteristics of black African music - its functional use in society, its indivisibility in the African mind from dance and theater, the use of instruments to imitate the human voice, the primacy of rhythm and particularly the combination of several simulataneous cross-rhythms, and the call-and-response structure. It is these general characteristics that spread throughout the world during the African diaspora and centuries of enslavement. No matter where they ended up Africans have no doubt influenced the culture of that society through their music.
Survivors of The Last American Slave Ship
Modern Influence
Africa is home to extraordinary talent. From music to acting to stand up comedy, a great number of gifted entertainers emerge every year to stake their claim with undeniable authority. South African rapper Cassper Nyovest made history as the first local act to fill up the TicketPro Dome, a concert venue in Johannesburg with a capacity of 20,000.
Reniss Pop Princess of Cameroon. Drawing influence from legends of African music such as the late South African singer Miriam Makeba, and Cameroonian Bebe Manga, Reniss has developed a style that mixes hip-hop and pop music, laced with African rhythms.
Safari Options
From the ancient to the modern, our goal is to make sure you get a comprehensive overview of music in Tanzania. The realities are quite harsh, so please expect a large dose of culture shock if its your first time travelling into the 3rd world. Below are options for your tour. In order to design the itinerary best suited to your interests and needs please fill our form.
Ancient
Barabaig/ Daatoga
Go deep of the beaten path to meet the Barabaig. A traditionally pastoralist group on the roam since bible-times. Their modern reality is quiet harsh due to land privatization.
Maasai
Thanks to their proximity to the National Parks, the Maasai are known around the world and have been able to capitalize off of cultural tourism. Village visits are easy to arrange along the traditional safari path.
Chagga/Meru
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If coffee is your thing, then you definitely want to schedule a village coffee farm tour where you can explore the roots of coffee and music all at once. If you are real brave you will try their banana brew!
Modern
Ghetto Roots
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In the city and streets, music is used as tool to express everyday hardships. You are welcome Watengwa Recs in Arusha where you can meet local musicians and witness street performances.
Night Life​
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The urban nightlife scene is vibrant and fun. Usually around mid-night the party kicks off and goes until the morning! There is no last call in Africa, things go all night. Our staff will be with you to make sure you get the insider vibes.
Concerts & Events
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Tanzania has many music festivals and events throughout the year! Let us know when you are coming and we will hook you up chill people to show you the latest events!
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