The African subcontinent houses a number of musical forms.
 

Swahili is the most commonly used language in Africa. It is the official language of the African union and the national language of Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. Swahili music is renowned in several areas of Africa. It shelters people belonging to various religions. The most dominant of which are the Catholic Africans and the Muslim Africans..


Therefore African music is under a heavy influence of diverse cultures. Swahili music is largely influenced by Indian, African and Arabic music. It is most prominent on the island of Zanzibar, and is also called “tarabu”. African culture is widely known for the robust and feisty nature of its art and culture. Along with being energetic, swahili music is also soothing and peace driven.


It is played in weddings and other aesthetic festivals. Adhering to this age old tradition, Swahili music is played in collaboration with musical instruments. It acquires its distinct nature largely due to the background score.

The musical instruments that are used are stringed instruments and drums. It provides a sonorous effect to Swahili music. The relaxing music when played in the background defines the very essence of African culture. Swahili music is most popular in African areas such as Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and Tanzania. Ras nas , fondly known as Nasibu is a famous Swahili musician and poet who belongs to Tanzania.


He has several kudos to his name. Nasibu has performed in front of nelson Mandela and has shared stage space with big names such as van Morrison, bob Dylan and Lou reed. Since Swahili music is regional in nature, it was in the past extremely difficult to acquire. But now-a-days there are several internet sites that allow Swahili music fans to download Swahili music. These music downloads are absolutely free of any apparent or hidden cost. This comes as a boon to Swahili music lovers.

Some sites do allow people to download Swahili music. Music videos of Swahili music are also available on sites such as www.youtube.com . other music forms that are popular in Africa are hip hop, reggae, benga, rock and roll and euro pop. The mixture of Arabic, Indian and native African flavors in Swahili music render it appealing to people belonging to all age groups.


Africa has for a long time now been a favorite tourist destination. The African safari is popular amongst tourists that come from the west. The difference in the ethnicity of the African natives and that of the western population brings out a taste of excitement and the urge to come home to the African culture. And this is best done by listening to the famous Swahili tunes and understanding Africa through its lyrics. Everywhere in Africa one is bound to come across the distance sound of Swahili music. Since it has now become so easy to download Swahili music from the net natives of Africa can bring closer their memories of home listening to the melodious tunes of Swahili music.