Taarab

Taarab is a captivating music genre that fuses Swahili lyrics with an intricate blend of African, Arab, Indian, and Western musical traditions, originating from the East African coast, particularly Zanzibar and Tanzania. It plays a pivotal role in Swahili culture, with its evolution marked by artists like Bi Kidude and Siti Binti Saad, and contemporary figures such as Culture Musical Club and Siti Muharam. Characterized by an array of acoustic instruments, including the oud, qanun, violins, and accordion, taarab features poetic and often emotional lyrics, celebrating both historical narratives and everyday life. Its rich, melodic soundscapes create an ambiance that is at once nostalgic and timeless.

Latest Taarab Release
undefined album image
Gono
Album - 14 Tracks - Released February 21, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Tangaza
MulaNation
Siti & the Band
Zuhura & Party
Dogo Niga
Tushauriane Modern Taarab
Top Playlists
The Sound of Taarab 7 Taarab artists
The Sound of Rwandan Hip Hop 1 Taarab artist
The Sound of Tanzanian Traditional 1 Taarab artist
The Needle / Zimbabwe - Current 1 Taarab artist
The Sound of Singeli 1 Taarab artist
The Needle / Zimbabwe 1 Taarab artist

RecentMusic users are tracking 10 Taarab artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 73 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Taarab artists you love!

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. February 21, 2025
  2. February 7
  3. January 24
  4. December 3, 2024
  5. November 29
  6. November 29
  7. June 28
  8. March 29
  9. March 15
  10. March 8
  11. February 7
  12. January 21
  13. March 15, 2023
  14. February 3
  15. December 8, 2021
  16. November 12
  17. August 9
  18. May 28
  19. October 19, 2018
  20. January 1
  21. July 20, 2014
  22. July 20
  23. July 20
  24. July 20
  25. July 20
  26. July 20
  27. July 20
  28. July 20
  29. July 20
  30. July 20
  31. July 20
  32. July 20
  33. July 20
  34. July 20
  35. July 20
  36. July 20
  37. July 20
  38. July 20
  39. July 20
  40. July 20
  1. January 24, 2025
  2. December 3, 2024
  3. June 28
  4. March 29
  5. March 15
  6. March 8
  7. February 7
  8. January 21
  9. March 15, 2023
  10. February 3
  11. December 8, 2021
  12. August 9
  13. May 28
  14. October 19, 2018
  15. December 1, 1981