Influenced by the musical traditions of the African Great Lakes, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, the Taraab sound is rooted out of Zanzibar, and was made popular beginning in the late 20s by Tanzanian vocalist Siti binti Saad. London’s On The Corner label has recently released a brilliant new single featuring Taraab’s next star, which is none other than Siti’s great granddaughter Siti Muharam.

Muharam was discovered when On The Corner label boss Pete Buckenham was exploring a project that would celebrate Siti Binti Saad’s legacy and the musical traditions of Fumba Town (a Tanzanian village), and he was informed by filmmaker Andy Jones (who was working on the project) that the pioneering Taraab vocalist had a great granddaughter that has what’s been described as a “golden voice.”

Produced by Sam Jones, we get the first preview of Muharam’s upcoming album, titled Siti’s of Unguja (Romance Revolution On Zanzibar) (released 2/28), through a new eclectic twelve-inch single featuring London-based saxophonist Tamar Collocutor on the Swahili jazz track “Ashikibaya” and Zanzibari legend, percussionist, violinist, maqam-trained Ud-player Mohamed Issa Matona on the b-side track “Mandira”.

Overall, this is a great new single that gives us a glimpse into what promises to be an incredibly unique and groundbreaking modern Taarab recording for this and future generations.

Siti Muharam — ‘Ashikibaya / Mandira’ 7″
(On The Corner)

A SIDE: Ashikibaya
B SIDE: Mandira

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• African