Siti of Unguja

City Muharram is the great-granddaughter of the legendary Zanzibari taarab singer, the "mother of taarab", Siti Binti Saad. In her time, Siti Binti Saad lifted the cultural veil that prevented women from performing music in this style. Traditional Zanzibari society long viewed public performances as a vulgar pursuit. In general, Zanzibar's culture was long influenced by the Omani Sultanate, hence taarab is a hybrid genre that incorporates elements of Arabic, Indian, and indigenous East African musical traditions. The album "Siti of Unguja" provides an opportunity to taste the diverse influences on the island's musical culture.

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