Kenya Culture

Strictly Come Dancing - Kenya Music & Dance




Kenya culture is most evidenced in music. Maasai ceremonial dances and songs celebrate hunting victories and the strength of their powerful warriors.

The Kamba are expert drummers and acrobatic dancers. Taarab is one style of music that will have you swaying to Arabic rhythms and dancing to the beat of African drums and bells.

Often including a large chorus, and stringed instruments, the popular Taarab style is evolving to incorporate elements of Hindu music.

Yet another style of music popular in Kenya culture is the beautiful sound of the Nyatiti, a lyre-like stringed instrument. The Nyatiti creates a lilting harmony to any song.

In more modern times however, we have young up-coming artists whose music is a 'Kenyanized' version of American Hip Hop, R & B and Soul.

Religion

The diverse Kenyan culture welcomes people of all religions, including Muslims, Roman Catholics and Protestants. You will also find Hindus and Sikhs practicing their religion in Kenya. By far the majority are Christians, some of whom temper their Christianity with a gentle blend of their ancient tribal wisdoms.

Housing

Lets say that 20% of Kenyans live in modern houses. Interestingly enough, 5% of the city dwellers live in majestic homes with plush marture lawns and gardens, with plenty of servants to attend to thier needs. But a good number of Kenyans, especially the nomadic ones live in temporary shelters. The Maasai, for example, build temporary homes, called Enkangs, from  grass, twigs and branches held together with mud and cow dung. The Maasai women, who are the traditional homebuilders for their tribe, are now turning to more permanent designs in order to satisfy housing requirements for their families.



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