Zanzibar has a rich and unique musical heritage. Like much of the Islands' culture, it is a mosaic of different influences & styles, borrowed from all over the Indian Ocean and beyond. Zanzibar has been at the crossroads of trade routes for thousands of years as peoples of Africa, India, Iran, China and other parts of Asia and the Arab World have all played their parts in influencing its music, architecture, food and culture of the region. The best example of this creative blending of traditions is Taarab music, the national sound of the Islands. Other styles, such as Kidumbak also reflect this cultural diversity.