OPINION: Celebrating our cultural diversity musically

As a child growing up, music has always and will forever be a part of who I am, I have never really been selective in the kind of music I listen to because music is still music no matter how you look at it.

I particularly remember feeling very uplifted and excited anytime I listened to music from the south African region admiring how deeply rooted they were, and still are, in their culture and the sense of pride and enthusiasm they executed through their songs, that I cannot wait for the day that I get to visit the country and indulge in this great appreciation and celebration of culture.

Back to the Kenyan music scene, we host one of the most diverse cultures in the world with a sum total of over 42 tribes each carrying different set of values and traditions; and over the years musically we have seen the fading in appreciation of deeply rooted cultural music and the ranks of the elder generation of pop musicians thinning away as we shift towards the urban pop, hip hop and R&B scene; but one thing that for certain remains is we have to love and appreciate our cultures.

Over the years I came to realize that the reason why Kwaito from S.A and the West African music makes it to the international level is because they don't shy away from their own cultures, even as can be seen in their TV productions and that's why the music is unique.

As Kenyan's we tend to want to be like other people and shy away from who we really are,who remembers back in the day when we had the amazing GidiGidi Majimaji cause a major storm on all radio stations with their amazing twist to Luo music, ‘ting badi malo’ ‘who can bwogo me’ of course not the amazing Eric Wainaina whose prowess in the execution of music in Kikuyu language made people fall in love and connect to his music even without understanding a word he said ?

That’s what music is supposed to be a connecting point and a platform to allow people worldwide and within to appreciate and uplift their cultures at the same time showcase them.

So as we countdown to celebrate Kenya at 50, let’s just sit back and reflect on the amazing people who are the pioneers of the Kenyan music scene and who have made it what it is today this include Daudi Kabaka ,Kalamashaka ,Suzzana Owiyo, Mercy Myra and their likes at the same time celebrate all artists who are still keeping their music rich in culture and making their mark in the industry felt tis include Sauti sol ,STL , Atemi and all the rest.

#Magda Mdundo#

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