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.