Pure research in SWAHILI poetry and ethnomusicology

Pure research in SWAHILI poetry and ethnomusicology

Principle Investigator (at the University of Bayreuth): Prof. Khamis

Duration: 2003 – 2005

Funding institution: German Research Council (DFG)

Phase 1: Local and Global Aspects of Taarab: A Popular Music Entertainment in East Africa 2000-2003;

Phase 2: Local and Global Aspects of Taarab: A Popular Music Entertainment in East Africa – An Examination of Visual Culture and Text 2003-2005

In both phases, the aim of this research project is to examine the nature of performing art "taarab", so as to find out how it has developed since its inception and the extent and degree of influence from internal (local) and external (global) cultures: both in composition of its musical and lyrical structures through the media.