High-energy benga music, with its pulsating beat and funky interlocking guitar riffs, has been at the forefront of Kenyan pop since the late 1960s. More recently, contemporary artists, such as Gidi Gidi Maji Maji and Nyota Ndogo, have been exploring the possibilities of merging traditional melodies, instruments and rhythms with new sounds from R&B and other international genres. In addition, taarab music – a mixture of Indian Ocean and coastal traditions – and rumba-based Swahili and Lingala music are phenomenally popular. The Rough Guide To The Music Of Kenya spans these styles from classic benga gems, to sparkling new taarab compositions, with a sampling of the most innovative sounds of Kenya’s hip hop generation.

Artists include: Queen Jane, Gidi Gidi Maji Maji, Nyota Ndogo, Miraj Juma & Jauhar Orchestra, Suzzana Owíyo, Golden Sounds Band, Yunasi, D.O. Misiani & Shirati Jazz, Zuhura Swaleh & Mombasa Party, Kakai Kilonzo and Kenge Kenge Orutu Systems. Just to add on the list of music groups, the Talking drums of Africa which orignated in 1995 as a percussion music band , it was found by Edward Kabuye and it had members like Mike Onyango, Charles Obuya and many others, they toured Europe, Asia and Africa.www.drumcafenairobi.bravehost.com