KENYA MUSIC

Traditionally, Kenya music centered on drumming and dance, often accompanied by humming, chatting and singing. Apart from the drums, other musical instruments include variations on flute, lyres and guitars, which may be seen in the National Museums of Kenya among their ethnic exhibits.
Since then, Kenya music has evolved through early Afro-jazz to African hip-hop, rap and dance music. Recent years have seen an increase in FM radio stations throughout urban Kenya, and now Kenyan artists are at the forefront of the Kenyan music scene. Mr Googz and Vinnie Banton had a runaway hit, Wazee, about life in a Nairobi suburb, which scooped a nomination at the South African Kora Awards (the African equivalent to the Grammy awards) in 2002 for the most promising new talent in Africa.
The formation of a loose alliance of Kenyan Hip Hop artists as Ogopa DJs created a nonstop hit factory that sent tune after tune to the top of the Kenyan charts. By 2002, formerly idolized Western artists were wiped out of radio airplay by Kenyans such as Nameless - who had a huge hit with Ninanoki and went on to record the best-selling album "On Fire".
His collaboration with a young artist E-Sir was a track called Boomba Train, which also dominated dancefloors and clubs across the country. E-Sirs career was tragically cut short by a road accident in 2003.
Redsan, a singer as well known for his looks as his music has kept Kenya's female population enthralled with hits such as Julie and Raha - a track whose hip hop overtones are underscored with coastal taarab sounds.
As the current trend for fusion of world and western styles grows, many Kenyan artists are exploring this new realm of musical possibility. One of the most popular up and coming artists is Mercy Myra who combines traditional and modern, African and Western styles.
Reggae has also become popular, with blends of Afro-reggae and rap. One of the better-known Kenyan Reggae artists is Nazizi the female vocalist from rap group Necessary Noize also known for her solo reggae work.
Alongside, traditional music is still important. The Kayamba Africa group and Suzanne Owiyo were both nominated for Kora awards in 2002.
The arrival of better and more easily accessible instrumentation and recording facilities is continuing to strengthen and diversify the Kenyan music scene.
As music in Kenya continues to grow and evolve, and opportunities for young talented Kenyans increase, the future sounds great.
For such a small country, the great diversity of musical styles and language interests in Kenya has created an extremely fragmented recording and performance market.