CULTURE

In addition to the Swahili (Kiswahili) language, there are other cultural elements which make Tanzania unique. Cultural elements such as music, dance, visual arts, religion, etc. are a reflection of interculturalism from Asia, Europe and other African countries.

Tanzania shares many traditional dances with its neighboring country Malawi. These various dances have deep meanings and efforts have been made to retain these rituals for the prosperity of the Tanzanian-Malawi culture. Images 1 and 2 show examples of the Ipenenga (dance by elders) and the Kihoda (dance by women). Dance styles vary from tribe to tribe and the great drum (pictured in the dance by women) is usually the main instrument.

Image 3: Taarab, Vol.4:
Music of Zanzibar

Another part of Tanzanian culture is Taarab music. This music is a fusion of Swahili and Arabic tunes sung in a rhythmic poetic style. Taarab music is considered an art form from a classical culture which is ever drawing from old and new sources. Images 3 and 4 showcase albums from two popular artists who sing Taarab music and represent the musical talent of Tanzania and Zanzibar.