Musical Traditions

From ancient ceremonial music to living folk traditions — a window into how humanity has shaped sound across continents and centuries.

2 traditions in East Africa

Taarab

Swahili sung poetry tradition blending Arab, Indian, and African musical elements, central to Zanzibari weddings and social life.

ዜማ

Ancient liturgical chant tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, attributed to Saint Yared, using the qign, ezl, and araray modes.